Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)

I will be brief and to the point on this issue. I seek information on the progress made to date on the provision of a new fire station in Virginia, County Cavan. Approval in principle had been granted by the Department to Cavan County Council's proposal for the provision of a new fire station in Virginia, but that was a few years ago and it has not yet proceeded. A site is available to accommodate the new station in Virginia. A site is available also for a new fire station in Ballyjamesduff, the neighbouring town. The last I heard on the issue was that contract documents for the Virginia fire station are with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government awaiting approval to go to tender. All the plans, estimates and survey works were submitted. All documents are in the Department but the delay is in respect of the granting of the project to go to tender.

Is the Department dragging its heels on the issue? What is the delay in moving this project forward? When will tenders be invited? When will construction work commence and when will this project advance or will it advance? Does the Department have a timeframe or has it shelved the project and not informed anyone? I would welcome any clarification the Minister of State can provide on the issue.