Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Carrigy for raising this very important matter. I join him in acknowledging the great work our firefighters do. He has articulated how they are first responders and keep our communities safe. They do exceptional work. Last year I asked departmental officials to liaise with Longford County Council on this matter. The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003. The Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters, and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

In December 2020, a new fire services capital programme was announced for the period 2021-25, with a funding allocation of €61 million. The Department's fire services capital programme for the period 2021-25 allows for continued investment at an appropriate level in our fire services. The new programme will see six replacement fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments, as well as the allocation of 35 new fire engines.Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for fire station works have been received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the area risk categorisation of the fire station, established health and safety needs, the state of development of the project, and the value for money offered by the proposal.

In recognition of the current economic situation faced by the State because of Covid-19, the speed and extent to which proposed expenditure can stimulate local economies will also be a key consideration in the first few years of the new programme. Longford County Council has indicated that the replacement of Ballymahon fire station, at an estimated cost of €1.7 million, and that was in August 2021, is its priority. The council has submitted a preliminary appraisal and outline plans to the Department, and I understand a site has been identified, as the Senator quite rightly pointed out in his opening contribution.

The project consideration stages in my Department include the submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals, submission of a design brief, selection of a site, which was already spoken about, an application for approval in principle, the appointment of design consultants, submission of a preliminary design, planning application, submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans, and the tender process and construction stages.

While a new fire station at Ballymahon is not currently included in the Department's 2021-2025 capital programme, it has now been included on the list for review. Projects in the capital programme are soon to be reassessed to maximise the available capital programme funding. This includes consideration of additional fire station projects from fire authorities which fit the normal fire station project criteria and where an appropriate business case is presented. Priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects that offer best value for money and take into account the state of readiness of the projects.

I have asked the Department to keep me and the Senator updated on this very important matter. I expect the reassessment to be scheduled and concluded for quarter 3 of this year.