Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 July 2025
140. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if further to the recent fires on Tara Hill, Gorey, County Wexford, there will be a review or recommendations into the matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36452/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Act 1981 & 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 priority infrastructural projects and equipment.
Under the Fire Services Act (1981 & 2003) each fire authority maintains a "Section 26" fire and emergency operational plan detailing the provision made by it in respect of organisation, appliances, equipment, fire stations, water supplies and extinguishing agents, training, operational procedure and such other matters as may be relevant for the provision of a fire and emergency service incident response.
Local authorities have responsibility for the assessment of their individual fire cover needs, including the provision and management of fleet and equipment adequate to their specific risk requirements and are free to request funding of specific equipment and fleet which may be deemed necessary in response to an identified fire risk from the fire services capital programme.
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management has issued a Standard Operating Guideline on fighting fire in remote and rural areas to assist fire services to prepare for and respond to wildland fires.
Following the incident referenced, it is a matter for the local authority to determine if a review is necessary and to carry out such a review, if required.
