Written answers

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Fire Services

10:00 pm

Photo of Seán KennySeán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding provided towards the refurbishment of the Dublin fire brigade training centre, Marino, Dublin 3; if the refurbishment works are still ongoing; the amount of funding allocated to date; and when he expects the refurbishment works to be completed. [15495/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981.

My Department supports the local fire authorities through setting of general policy, providing training support, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding.

Since 1982, the O'Brien Institute in Marino has been used as a training centre for Dublin Fire Brigade. It is the largest fire training facility in Ireland and provides an extensive range of courses for Dublin Fire Brigade. Courses are also provided for staff of other fire brigades, as well as for other public and private sector organisations.

My Department has recouped a total of €3,003,967 to date to Dublin City Council in support of the phased renovation of the training facility. In the latest phases, the City Council has undertaken restoration work on the main building, and has converted and restored the former Chapel, which is now being used as the main auditorium and training facility. The Council has also recently completed enabling / demolition works on the site.

Further development proposed by Dublin City Council at the O'Brien Institute includes an upgrade of the student and instructor facilities, and the provision of modern canteen facilities on the site. The City Council also plans to design and build a further purpose-built training building on the site. Other works proposed include provision of enhanced energy conservation measures and the upgrade of the electrical system.

In common with other capital programmes, my Department has commenced a Capital Expenditure Review of the fire services capital programme to include all projects in receipt of funding under the programme. Further investment to support the redevelopment of the O'Brien Institute will be considered within the current constraints on the fire services capital programme and will have regard to the Capital Expenditure Review, the priorities of Dublin City Council, the level of investment to date and the totality of demands from fire authorities countrywide for the limited funding available.

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