Several rural areas are set to benefit from funding announced this week under a new Fire Service Capital Programme.

Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, announced €61 million for the new programme, which will see the construction of six new fire stations, as will as continued financial support for a further 12 new fire stations; nine fire station refurbishments; and the allocation of 35 new fire engines.

Each county will see at least one new fire engine delivered. The delivery of fire engines will take place in two tranches.

The total funding for the fire engines and other equipment over the life time of the programme will come to €27.7 million. The total €61 million will be used over the next five years (2021-2025), with some €12 million being spent each year.

Notable rural towns that will see fire stations replaced or built anew include:

  • Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan;
  • Kanturk, Co. Cork;
  • Crossmolina, Co. Mayo;
  • Athenry, Co. Galway;
  • Loughrea, Co. Galway;
  • Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim;
  • Nobber, Co. Meath.

The above developments have been allocated funding for 2020 and 2021. Further funding will be made available for more developments in other areas up to the year 2024.

Current stations that will be upgraded or refurbished include (among others): Killarney, Co. Kerry; Boyle, Co. Roscommon; and Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

Outlining the details of the funding this week, Minister O’Brien said: “Following close consultation with local authorities my department carried out a comprehensive analysis of their proposals for fire station works.

“This is a clear demonstration of the government’s support for our fire service and the work they do in protecting people, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and emergency situations,” Minister O’Brien added.