James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on his plans and funding for the proposed and urgently needed new fire station for Lanesboro, County Longford [6106/13]

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 and 2003.

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 equipment.

Under the 2008 fire service capital programme, a proposal by Longford County Council to construct a new fire station at Lanesboro was approved in principle. Following approval to proceed to tender stage during 2011, the Council has very recently been approved to accept a tender in relation to the project, with total grant-aid set at €8 48,000.