Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that the construction of the new Waterford City Fire Station will begin in the coming weeks.

Deputy Coffey received confirmation of the development from the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, by way of a Parliamentary Question, who informed him that initial funding of €2m has been allocated for the project.

Mr Coffey said: "I have had confirmation from the City Council and from Minister Hogan that tenders have been invited for the New City fire station and following completion of all procurement processes; the City Council hopes to be in a position to commence works on site in late August or early September 2013.

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"The proposals for a new fire station have been promised for a long time, with plans initially approved in 2006. However, it has taken until now to get the project started on the ground. The existing fire station is currently located on Catherine Street in Waterford City, which is not a suitable location for an up-to-date and modern emergency service for the people of Waterford City.

"The new site on the Kilbarry Road in the City is a much more suitable location for the new state-of-the-art facilities. It should be pointed out that emergency services which are currently being delivered on a daily basis by the dedicated and heroic staff at Catherine Street will remain there until the new station is complete."

(CD/JP)