327 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of the new fire station for Waterford City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42972/10]

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 premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through setting of general policy and the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme.

The provision of funding by my Department in respect of a proposal to construct a purpose built headquarters fire station at Kilbarry Road, Waterford City will be considered under future capital programmes within the constraints of available resources, and will have regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of requests from other fire authorities for available funding.