Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

536. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address the need for a new fire station in Glencolmcille, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5111/16]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 the Fire Service 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. Donegal County Council, in partnership with my Department, has made substantial progress in modernising fire stations in County Donegal and has replaced 12 of its 15 fire stations following investment of some €11 million by my Department over the last fifteen years or so. The following towns in County Donegal are now served by modern fire stations with full facilities: Millford (1998); Buncrana (2000); Letterkenny (HQ) and An Fal Carrach (both in 2003); Carndonagh and Donegal Town (both in 2004); Killybegs (2005); An Clochan Liath, Glenties and Moville (all in 2007); and most recently Gaoth Dobhair and Stranorlar (2009).

In February 2016, I announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on the current annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres. Under this programme, the list of priority projects to be progressed will be kept under review on an annual basis.

With regard to a fire station project in Glencolmcille, which is not included in the current five-year programme, my Department will have regard to Donegal County Council’s priorities and national priorities for funding in further considering any proposal. The status of existing facilities, having regard to area risk categorisation, will also be considered.