COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, June 26, 2023

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

"To ask the CEO to confirm plans to provide further equipment to the Tallaght Fire Station on Belgard Road, Tallaght, noting that these needs have been regularly raised at our meetings; will he again appreciate the concerns often expressed in respect of the huge development of Tallaght since the Fire Station first opened and particularly the number of high rise buildings in the population centre covered by the Tallaght Area Committee; will he give assurances and make a statement?"

REPLY:

Fire appliances are generally equipped with a broad range of standardised equipment designed to allow the Firefighter complete a broad range of activities. Firefighters must undergo training on all equipment and maintain skills in order to perform activities efficiently and safely. Equipment needs are kept under review and are updated, replaced or enhanced as required.    

DFB are currently reviewing our aerial capacity along with other operational response planning through our Organisational Intelligence Unit, it is proposed to augment and redeploy the aerial appliance response to additional stations. This analysis is in progress and is also part of a staffing negotiation process with the brigades trade unions.  This will also dictate remedial and possible expansion works at some of DFB stations, to facilitate the stationing of an additional aerial appliance. DFB are hopeful these arrangements could be in place later this year, or early next year, DFB do acknowledge the development of the South Dublin area and are planning to address that risk by the augmentation and redeployment of our aerial capacity. 

Regarding aerial appliances DFB have 2 frontline turntable ladders, one 30m and a new 42m turntable ladder which has recently come into service and we also have 4 other reserve 30m turntable ladders in service and an aerial ladder platform.  DFB have ordered an additional 42m turntable ladder and are expecting delivery by the end of the year, or in early 2024.  There is an approximate 18 month lead time on these appliances.   Fire appliances in Tallaght station carry a range of ladders compatible with all fire appliances nationally.