I wish to refer to the capital investment programme for fire stations throughout the country. I highlight the work of over 60 firefighters, both full-time and part-time, throughout all the stations in County Longford. I thank them for all their good work. They are highly trained and committed to keeping us safe in our communities.

I am seeking investment for a new fire station in Ballymahon. There is a population of over 3,000 in the town and the station serves over 10,000 people in the wider community. It is home, as the Tánaiste will know, to Center Parcs, a €230 million tourism investment. I spoke with the general manager in the past couple of days. By the end of this year, another €100 million will be invested. Hundreds of thousands of people will come to stay in the over 500 lodges in that area.

However, we need investment into a new station. I am looking for a commitment in the capital budget for 2026 that we will secure funding to deliver that new station to the people of south Longford.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I join with him in praising our firemen and firewomen, firefighters across the country and all those involved in our fire services for the vital work they do. It is important we show our gratitude, not just in words but in investment in them and their facilities. I thank the Deputy for raising this. He has been a consistent advocate for Ballymahon fire station. I know how important this is to the community in south Longford for all the reasons he mentioned, including the many people who now visit Longford as part of the incredible success that Center Parcs has been. Providing fire services is a statutory responsibility of individual fire authorities, or local authorities, under the fire Acts. The good news is that in planning for the next capital programme, Longford has reiterated that Ballymahon is a priority project for the county in terms of fire services. I understand the fire service is now actively working on identifying a preferred site. I have clear indications from conversations I have had very recently that this project is moving in the right direction. There could be positive developments on it very shortly. It would be premature for me to get ahead of the finalisation of the new programme, but I assure the Deputy that the Minister, Deputy Browne, will keep in close contact with him on this. I will keep a close eye on this as well because the case the council has made is compelling. It has been clear in relation to Ballymahon being priority project number one. We have given a significant allocation to the fire service capital programme. I expect progress on this very shortly.