Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
393. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the planned new fire station for Bagenalstown, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15946/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the planned new fire station for Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15950/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.
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 & 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.
Carlow County Council indicated Bagenalstown fire station was their top priority for the fire services capital programme 2021 – 2025. Carlow County Council is undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of the Bagenalstown fire station, including extending into adjacent council owned buildings. My Department approved the council's request to pursue Part VIII planning permission for the project in November 2025 and I understand that planning submission will be in place shortly.
Kilkenny County Council received approval in principle to progress the Kilkenny City HQ fire station project in February 2023 and was subsequently approved to tender for design consultants in April 2023 and subsequently appointed in January of 2024.
Kilkenny County Council has indicated a new fire station for Kilkenny City to be their number one priority project for the Fire Services Capital Programme 2026 – 2030 and is working to finalise the acquisition of their preferred site. Upon final confirmation of the site acquisition, I understand that Kilkenny County Council will move quickly through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Kilkenny City.
My Department will continue to support both Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils to progress their priority projects.
