AQW 52146/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/12/2015
Answered On Date: 21/03/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the changes that will be implemented as a result of the proposed downgrading of a number of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service stations; and (ii) the criteria for downgrading selected stations.

Answer:

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) identified in its most recent risk assessment that its existing wholetime firefighter resource should be rebalanced appropriately and proportionately across Northern Ireland to address the level of risk. To facilitate this NIFRS propose changes to crewing models at 11 fire stations. A public consultation on the proposals was launched on 14 December 2015 and closed on 7 March 2016. NIFRS is currently considering consultation responses.

The continued safety of both the Public and firefighters remains a priority.