§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken by the fire authority for Northern Ireland to obtain an acceptable fire brigade training site convenient to Belfast which will make training possible in a secure location and which will have the support of the local community.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe fire authority had identified a site at Old Manse road, Whiteabbey, as suitable for a fire brigade training school. Planning permission was refused. The fire authority is now awaiting the outcome of its appeal against that refusal.
Give the uncertainty of this site the fire authority has identified another suitable site at the former St. Nicholas secondary school at Minorca place, Carrickfergus. Conditional planning permission has just been granted. The fire authority has not agreed an acceptable purchase price for the Carrickfergus site. Negotiations are continuing.