Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals there are to provide a new fire station in Comber; what site is involved; what is the estimated cost for such a fire station; and what would be the implications for the existing station in Newtownards.
§ Mr. MossA review conducted by the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland has indicated that Comber and its surrounding area are not being provided with the appropriate standard of fire cover, and the authority is proposing to develop a new fire station in Comber to remedy the deficiency. A suitable site has been identified at Glen Link, beside the Comber bypass, which is owned by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. Retained personnel are being recruited and trained.
200WThe estimated cost of the proposed new station is as follows:
£ Purchase of site. 46,500 Refurbishment of building etc 176,400 Diversion of electricity cable 48,700 Total 271,600 The new station will have no effect on the existing station in Newtownards, except that in normal circumstances Newtownards will no longer respond to fire calls from the Comber area. This will result in a reduction in the number of incidents attended by the Newtownards fire crew, but the retaining fees and drill fees paid to the Newtownards crew will remain unchanged.