COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 14, 2011

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

To ask the Manager for an update on the review to the service provided by Dublin Fire Brigade, and to make a statement on the matter.

REPLY:

Background

Dublin City Council commissioned a strategic overview of Dublin Fire Brigade which was carried out by the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser for England.  The purpose of the review was to examine particular areas of interest and provide guidelines as to the strategic direction which should be taken by the Brigade.  The review sets out a list of recommendations to achieve that objective and a development Board has been established to support Brigade Management to implement the recommendations set out in the report. 

The board consists of a representative from each of the four Authorities as well as the Department of Environment, ICTU and a representative of the CFRA.  The board is chaired by Cllr. Naoise O’Muiri, Chairperson of the Environment and Engineering Strategic Policy Committee.  The purpose of the board is to monitor progress, advise and coordinate support to Brigade Management in the implementation of the recommendations in the Report. 

 The Board meet monthly and agreed a number of initial priorities including Implementation of a Strategic Plan for DFB, Finance, a review of Current Work Practices and Engagement with the HSE on the provision of the Emergency Ambulance Service

 Update on priorities

The Strategic Plan is the main strategic business plan for the Brigade and is clearly aligned with the medium term financial plan.   This plan outlines a balanced strategy for the Brigade into the future, and it sets out eight strategic objectives for 2011 along with a service improvement plan for the same period.   In support of these strategic objectives six key development areas will be undertaken during 2011.

1.                  Organisation Structure Review

2.                  Operational Response Review

3.                  Income Generation Programme

4.                  Introduction of a Service Level Agreement with Heath Services Executive

5.                  Review of Control and Mobilising Facility

6.                 Develop of a Strategic Plan for 2012 – 2015  

This plan has been approved and is currently being implemented.  Through the implementation of the Strategic Plan for 2011 the main recommendations of the Report will be delivered with an emphasis on delivering an efficient and effective service whilst cutting costs and improving value for money.

 In addition a Technical Sub Group has also been established to progress issues of a Fire Service Technical nature including a review of existing work practices and a review of the Risk Based Approach which will determine the service to be provided, this sub group reports back to the Development Board on a monthly basis.  The board also receives monthly updates on DFB Finance including generation of income and progress on discussions with the HSE. 

Summary

In summary the Board ensures that there is an integrated approach to focus on improvement within the Fire Brigade with the emphasis on implementation of the recommendations as set out in the report.