Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

333. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of the proposed new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth, in view of funding being redirected towards the firefighter centre of training in Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67648/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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 and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.

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 equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

Louth County Council has indicated that Dunleer remains their top priority project, and a new fire station at Dunleer is provided for in the Fire Services Capital Programme 2021 - 2025.

Upgrade works are also being progressed at the Dundalk firefighter training centre. The proposed training centre upgrade works would take place within the curtilage of the current site that is already in council ownership.

Louth County Council is working to finalise the acquisition of their preferred new site for Dunleer fire station. Upon final confirmation of the site acquisition, I understand that Louth County Council will move quickly through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Dunleer. My Department will continue to support Louth County Council to progress the new Dunleer fire station project.