asked the Minister for the Environment if officials of Cork County Council hold regular meetings with the fire brigade officer to ensure that sufficient water pressure is available at local points to fight outbreaks of fire; if the council have received any complaints; and if they have all been attended to.

23.

asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department are aware that due to a recent fire there is local disquiet in Millstreet, County Cork, concerning the adequacy of water pressure and supply to fight fires in the town; and if he will have the matter investigated.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.

It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the administrative arrangements to be adopted to give effect to its fire fighting responsibilities as it is to deal with any complaints about water pressures. I have no information on these points as regards the position in the area referred to.

I might say that local authorities have been asked to look into the position about water supply for fire fighting purposes as part of a general review of the state of the fire service which is at present under way in all areas.

Information is not available in my Department as to the circumstances of the fire referred to. The county council is being asked for a report, and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome.