There's hope a new Fire Station for Ballymahon in Longford could be progressed in the next 3 years.
The fire service in the town currently operates out of a rented industrial unit within a housing estate.
Longford County Council requested Government to progress the provision of a new purpose built station over 2 years ago, with a suitable site identified.
Senator Michéal Carrigy today raised the progress of the 1.7 million euro project in the Seanad and requested an update on the situation.
Speaking in the chamber, Senator Carrigy urged the government to treat the issue as a priority:
"Longford County Council has identified a site and it is simply incredible that a town this size does not have an up to date, up to standards fire station at this stage. Minister I am asking that priority would be given to the provision of a fire station for Ballymahon once that site has been identified and is in the ownership of Longford County Council."
Responsing to the Senator on behalf of the Government, Local Minister Peter Burke said that a new fire station for Ballymahon is not currently included in the capital works plan 2021 to 2025.
However, he informed the chamber that the project was schedualed to be the subject of a review later in the year for inclusion in the plan:
While a new fire station is not included in the Department's plans for 2021 - 2025 in terms of the capital programme, it has been included on a list of projects for review. Projects in the capital programme will shortly be re-assessed in order to maximise programme funding:
