Written answer
Fire Service
Fire service provision is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, guided by a national risk-based framework that accounts for island communities. The Minister highlighted community fire safety measures and capital support, but gave no specific assurance on Gabhla access, Arranmore staffing, or a national policy review.
352. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of an occasion recently where a fire engine was unable to access Gabhla Island in County Donegal in an emergency; and the action he will take to ensure this does not happen in an emergency again. [66699/26]
Comment on this
353. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide assurances that members of the fire service on Arranmore Island will be retained in their current numbers; and if changes to arrangements on the island are being planned. [66705/26]
Comment on this
354. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government has considered reviewing their national policy regarding fire services on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66702/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 352, 353 and 354 together.
The provision of a fire service within 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 responsibility of each individual local authority under the Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003. My Department supports fire authorities by setting general policy and progressing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and related matters, and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructure projects.
Keeping Communities Safe: A Framework for Fire Safety in Ireland (KCS) sets out national policy for the provision of fire services. It provides for a risk-management approach to service delivery, including Area Risk Categorisation (ARC), allowing fire authorities to have regard to local risks and circumstances in determining appropriate fire service provision.
This risk-based approach enables local authorities to take account of the particular characteristics and circumstances of individual communities, including island communities, when determining appropriate fire service provision.
KCS also places considerable emphasis on Community Fire Safety and fire prevention. Community Fire Safety programmes seek to improve fire safety in the home through measures including fire safety awareness and the provision of smoke alarms. Fire prevention and Community Fire Safety form part of the wider responsibilities of local authority fire services.
In the case of island communities, local fire authorities prioritise Community Fire Safety measures, including through the Community Smoke Alarm Scheme (CSAS), working with local communities to provide smoke alarms and promote fire safety awareness.
My Department has made significant investment in supporting local authorities to deliver Community Fire Safety initiatives and to enhance fire service infrastructure, renew the fire appliance fleet and improve operational capability. Requests from local authorities for capital assistance under the Fire Service Capital Programme are considered having regard to identified need and in the context of the overall programme and the totality of requests received from fire authorities.