Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the proposed new fire station in Glencolmcille in County Donegal will start construction stage; if he has satisfied himself that the existing fire station complies with current standards in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21620/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Donegal County Council, in partnership with my Department, has made substantial progress in modernising fire stations in Co Donegal and has replaced 12 fire stations following investment of some €11 million by my Department over the last decade. The following towns in County Donegal are now served by new fire stations: Milford (1998); Buncrana (2000); Letterkenny (HQ) and An Fál Carrach (both in 2003); Carndonagh and Donegal town (both in 2004); Killybegs (2005); An Clochán Liath, Glenties and Moville (all three in 2007); and most recently Gaoth Dobhair and Stranorlar (2009).

Given the current constraints on public finances, continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as the priority measure in the fire services capital programme at this time. In that context, I recently approved a new programme of joint procurement of 17 fire appliances. Further support from my Department to Donegal County Council under the fire services capital programme in the period ahead, including the provision of a replacement fire station in Gleann Colm Cille, 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.