Kilbeggan Fire Station to be upgraded

(Above) Kilbeggan Fire Station.

Kilbeggan Fire Station is set to be upgraded next year as part of a new €61 million investment in the Fire Service nationwide.

Eighty thousand euro has been allocated for the project, which is ready to start construction, under the Fire Service Capital Programme 2021 – 2025. A further €600,000 has been allocated for the long planned expansion of Athlone Fire Station. It was also announced that Westmeath Fire Service will receive a new fire engine.

Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State Robert Troy welcomed the funding boost and said the capital programme underlined the government's commitment to the fire service in the region.

“Investment into our front line services are crucial,” he added.

Minister of State Peter Burke said: “Following close consultation with local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage carried out a comprehensive analysis of their proposals for fire stations works.

“In order to maintain a reliable fleet in optimal condition, a total of €27.7 million has been allocated for fire appliances which will be delivered in two tranches. In the first tranche, 35 new appliances will be provided at an approximate cost of almost €16 million.

"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 other emergency situations."

Outlining the details of the programme, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said it was “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 other emergency situations”.

“This year of all year’s we are all truly grateful for the work of those on the frontline and in our emergency services. I’d like to thank the staff and crew of all our fire services across the country for their work this year and every year,” he concluded.