Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding proposals for a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18499/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, 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 emergency equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations.

A proposal by Laois County Council to construct a replacement fire station in Rathdowney was approved in principle in 2006. The Council submitted a detailed design and cost plan to the Department and is seeking approval to proceed to tender stage.

Given the tight constraints on public finances, it will not be possible to provide financial support this year in relation to this project. Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority measure and, in that context, I recently approved a new programme of joint procurement of 17 fire appliances.

Further support from my Department under the fire services capital programme in the period ahead will have regard to the Council's priorities, the extent of previous investment, the value for money offered by proposals, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from fire authorities countrywide.