THERE is little prospect of a new joint fire and ambulance base being constructed in Downpatrick in the near future, it has emerged.
Local politicians recently urged Health Minister Edwin Poots to allocate finance to develop a new dedicated base, arguing it could be used as a model for emergency services across the Province to adopt.
Politicians believe sharing services and joint working practices are an ideal way to move forward in the current difficult fiscal conditions which are impacting on government spending.
Fire chiefs admit the current fire station at Church Street in Downpatrick is not up to standard and needs replaced, while local ambulance personnel are currently housed in temporary accommodation at the Flying Horse Road.
At Monday night’s meeting of Down Council’s External Affairs Committee, councillors were informed that no money is available for a new base in Downpatrick.
A letter from a senior civil servant at the Department of Health said the department, in line with the rest of the public sector, is facing significant financial pressures in relation to both capital and revenue budgets.
He said that regrettably, the financial pressures means the Department of Health and its agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Service, have had to reconsider priorities and make what he described as “difficult decisions about what can now realistically be achieved.”
The letter did however confirm that the Fire and Rescue Service has viewed several potential sites in Downpatrick for a new base, including the Downshire Hospital complex but that unfortunately, “all were deemed unsuitable.”
The letter continued: “A possible site has been identified at the Flying Horse Road in the town which would provide adequate scope for the development of a community-type fire station, district offices and a training area. A feasibility study has been carried out of this site which appears favourable.”
The civil servant said that while it is accepted the current Downpatrick fire station in Church Street is old and remains one which the Fire and Rescue Service would review if resources became available, “there are several more pressing cases.”
His letter adds: “As such, the progression of the purchase of the site for the replacement of Downpatrick fire station will remain under consideration until finance becomes available and a new assessment of risk and priorities is completed.”
Addressing politicians last April, the area’s most senior fire chief, Commander John Allen, said the district’s three part-time fire stations in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch were constructed in the 1940s. He also explained that if the Fire and Rescue Service’s budget was increased, there is no guarantee that the cash would be spent on a new base in Downpatrick.