Minister Finneran announces €18 million to support fire and rescue services

Mr. Michael Finneran, T.D., Minister for Housing and Local Services, today ( 23 March, 2010 ) announced a capital funding package amounting to €18 million in 2010 to support fire and rescue services across the State.

The fire services capital programme aims to maintain a modern and efficient fire services response capacity throughout the country. The Minister said “In the context of tight constraints on the public finances, the Government wishes to continue to protect local communities by enhancing the response capabilities of the fire and emergency services”.

The Minister has approved the construction of a new 6 bay headquarter fire station in Monaghan as well as the development of a fire training centre in Ennis, Co Clare. Funding will also be made available to support projects underway at Belturbet, Co. Cavan, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, Killmallock, Co Limerick, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford and Ballymote, Co Sligo. In addition, funding of € 8 million is to be spent in 2010 to purchase new fire appliances due to be delivered this year.

The Minister also approved the next phase of work at Dublin Fire Brigade’s Training Centre in Marino in Dublin as well as proposals to upgrade the fire station in Elphin, Co Roscommon. In order to facilitate forward planning, the Minister announced approval to commence design work on an extension to Tallaght fire station in Dublin, approval to design stage in respect of a planned fire training centre in Dundalk, Co Louth and approval to design stage for a fire station in Tuam Co Galway. Minister Finneran also approved Waterford City Council’s proposal to progress to final design the planned replacement of the existing fire station by a modern facility on the Kilbarry Road in Waterford.

The Minister confirmed that in the coming months, his officials will liaise with colleagues in the fire and rescue services to agree priorities in respect of other approved projects currently in the pipeline but which have not reached tender or construction stage.

In conclusion, the Minister stated “ We all hold our brave and committed fire fighters in high regard. This investment underlines the commitment to provide fire fighters with modern facilities in which to train and work. It is Government policy to continue investing in the productive capacity of the economy and to create construction jobs in local communities. This funding package of € 18 million covers a broad range of measures which I am confident will contribute to making the necessary improvements in the development and maintenance of a quality fire-fighting and rescue service. “