'Cut consultants, build fire stations' says Cllr McShane

Sinn Fein councillor Cara McShane said "millions" were frittered away on so-called bonuses for consultants and added: "That would got a long way to building fire stations in the North".

She was speaking as Northern Ireland Fire Service officials visited Moyle Council.

Sinn Fein councillor Oliver McMullan said he is concerned about the impact on the plans for Ballycastle and Cushendall Fire Stations posed by cutbacks.

Cllr McMullan said: "I suppose I am a bit of a harbinger of doom. This is all fine on paper but this is above their heads (Fire & Rescue Service).

"With cutbacks this money could go down to less than 4 million to be divied up across the whole of the Fire Service and it certainly would put a lot of smaller cases back - Cushendall for example."

He said he could not see Cushendall being built this incoming year and he feared cutbacks would possibly severely affect Ballycastle as well.

He said the Council has to look at the fundamental lack of funding for "vital frontline services" and said the Council should write to central government and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.

Cllr Robert McIlroy (DUP) said if a figure of 4 million was being spent in Ballycastle and Cushendall he would be happy enough.

Councillors Madeline Black and Cara McShane praised the charity work carried out by firefighters and said they do much to bring the community together.

Ulster Unionist councillor Helen Harding wished to congratulate the Fire Service on what they have done to date.

Fire Service official Peter O'Reilly said the Ballycastle and Cushendall stations remain a priority for them and he said he was hopeful Ballycastle work will start in 2011/12 with building taking a year.

And he said the business case for Cushendall is now with the Public Safety department.

In a letter to Moyle Council, Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey, said he hopes work can start on Cushendall Station in 2011 but that could be reviewed if there are cuts.

Council Vice-Chairperson, SDLP councillor Madeline Black, said: "The fire authority has done their bit but we are all very aware of all the cuts in all sections. We keep our fingers crossed that you get approval."

Sinn Fein councillor Cathal Newcombe congratulated the Fire Service on the proposed structures and layout of the stations.