1761. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the training that is being made available to firefighters, in the event of a fire at a solar farm; if funding for future training is being made available to each of the fire stations in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57809/26]

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.

Fire Services operate an Incident Command System with risk management protocols and specialised equipment when dealing with incidents involving electricity, ensuring the safety of firefighters working in such hazardous conditions. Firefighters are highly trained in effective and safe firefighting operations. Dynamic Risk Assessment at the incident scene, as part of the Incident Command system, is a key function in ensuring safe working

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has developed a suite of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) to support effective firefighting operations. SOG 5.1 ‘Incidents Involving Electricity’ examines the hazards, risks and control measures for incidents that involve electricity. SOG 5.01a identifies the hazards posed to firefighters by new technologies in PV panels and battery storage. The core training delivered locally on SOGs underpins a risk based approach to safe working at incidents involving electricity and the associated emerging technologies.

Fire Services use the National Incident Command System (NICS) to provide a standardised framework for managing incidents of all sizes, ensuring effective command, control and coordination of resources at emergency incidents. The NICS, which has been updated this year and is effective from September 2026, defines the national framework for command, control, and coordination at incidents, offering clear guidance on roles, decision-making, risk management, and interagency working. It is intended to support commanders at all levels in applying a common approach to operations, ensuring interoperability, enhancing safety, and promoting consistent professional standards across the service.

You can view the latest edition of the National Incident Command System here:

https://www.fireireland.ie/the-irish-fire-service/operational-guidance/