Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

755. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide funding to Dublin City Council for the refurbishment of the North Strand fire station in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6321/16]

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

The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions 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.

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.

A fire station project in North Strand is not included in the current five-year programme, but my Department will have regard to Dublin City Council’s priorities and national priorities for funding in further considering any proposal.