Tynwald will be asked this week to approve funding of £1.458m to replace Port Erin and Castletown fire stations.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson will seek backing for a plan to build a new combined fire and ambulance station at Ronaldsway, and to convert the Southlands ambulance station on the Port Erin-Port St Mary boundary into a fire station.
The old bases will be put up for sale.
Castletown fire station was built in 1964 and has become expensive to maintain. It needs repair work costing at least £80,000.
Port Erin fire station was built in 1957 and it too is becoming costly to maintain. Neither building meets modern standards that ensure a fast turn-around time and avoid the need for hazardous manoeuvres in an enclosed space that could risk damage.
Castletown crews turned out 130 times in 2015-16, and Port Erin’s 92 times.
One concern is the lack of facilities for female firefighters, with no separate shower or changing facilities. Port Erin has one toilet to serve 17 retained firefighters.
The move to Ronaldsway will benefit Ballasalla, which is not currently well served by a fire station, the Department of Home Affairs believes.
A study carried out in 2008 concluded that Port Erin fire station should move to a more central location. Its crews serve a population of 7,000 across Rushen, including Colby.
The Southern ambulance station at Southlands was built 12 years ago is based on what appears to be a fire station design.
Ambulance chiefs say the current location is not ideal on operational or tactical grounds as when an ambulance from Douglas is deployed, the Port Erin crew is moved to Douglas to maintain cover. Relocation to Ronaldsway would enable quicker deployment of cover to the busiest area.
It is estimated the move will save £5,000 a year in full costs and 12,000 vehicle miles.
The project was put out to tender and Tooms Brothers won the contract, with a bid that the DHA said was below the current market value.
Building costs are £1,102,441 with works to convert the Southern ambulance station a further £148,000.
Tynwald has previously approved pre-contract design fees totalling £50,000.