Written answers

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Fire Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Seán KennySeán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of additional fire appliances and fire fighting equipment he has provided to Dublin Fire Brigade for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 and the number of requests that are currently outstanding within his Department for additional resources. [10815/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The provision of a fire service, including the provision of fire fighting and emergency equipment, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities as set out in the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and equipment.

The number and nature of specific annual approvals for Dublin Fire Brigade arise from correspondence and discussions with the City Council. A total of six fire appliances were approved for Dublin Fire Brigade over the period 2007 to date, resulting in the delivery thus far of four Class B fire fighting appliances and one Turntable Ladder appliance. Proposals for the acquisition of fire appliances under the 2011 Fire Services Capital Programme are currently under consideration in the Department. Notwithstanding the ongoing consideration of the 2011 Programme, there are currently no outstanding requests with my Department from the City Council for additional fire appliances or fire fighting equipment.

It is generally recognised that, following significant capital investment over a decade, the fire appliance fleet in Dublin, as well as across the country, is in very good condition, and likewise the range and status of specialist fire service equipment is in keeping with international best practice.

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