Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
824. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a fire station (details supplied) will be included in the new priority fire service infrastructural projects 2026-2030 given the inadequacy of the existing very old building which is not fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12833/26]
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 Acts, 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 equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Project consideration stages from a Department perspective include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
In December 2020, Minister Darragh O'Brien announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received.
The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project;
• value for money offered by the proposal; and
• the totality of requests from all authorities.
At that time, Galway County Council indicated that a new fire station at Athenry to be their number one priority, with a new Galway City Fire Station considered the Council's second priority. A new fire station at Athenry was officially opened by Minister of State Anne Rabbitte in October 2024.
My Department will work closely with Galway County Council to progress their identified priority infrastructural projects within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding during the 2026 – 2030 Fire services Capital programme.
