Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider providing funding for a new fire service station in Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52044/12]

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 and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My 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 priority infrastructural projects.

The existing fire station in Kenmare was built in 1977 and the fire brigade responds to some 60 call-outs per year. In 2008, approval was conveyed to the Council to proceed to planning stage in respect of a new fire station, I understand that planning permission was granted.

Investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority for fire services. In that context, I have approved a programme which is currently underway involving fire authorities aggregating demand and jointly procuring 17 fire appliances, one of which has recently been ordered for the fire service in Co. Kerry.

Given the ongoing constraints on public finances, including reductions in the fire services capital programme, funding is not available from the programme at present for the building of a new fire station in Kenmare.