A state-of-the-art €2.8m new fire station has been opened by Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service in Athenry.
Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, T.D., and Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Councillor Albert Dolan performed the official opening of the 400m2 facility, which replaces the old station on Crowe Street which has been in operation since the 1960s.
The new station includes significant training facilities and provides for the introduction of new capabilities, including unmanned ground vehicles for remote firefighting and hazardous materials response.
The development follows on from the opening of new fire stations in Clifden (2010), An Cheathrú Rua (2015) and Tuam (2018).
The main contractor for the project was Mountbellew-based Coolsivna Construction Ltd, while the Design Team Lead was led by Vincent Hannon Architects from Galway and supported by Tobin Engineers, Coffey Consulting Engineers and Tom McNamara & Partners.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Rabbitte said, “This investment isn’t only about buildings and vehicles, it’s about developing a national fire service that can adapt to our changing world.”
On a national level, plans are in place to establish Regional High-Capacity Pumping and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capabilities. Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service have been chosen as one of the regional hubs for these essential services.”
“This hub will serve not only Galway but will be available as a regional hub to serve all surrounding counties in west and north-west, and working in conjunction with other regional hubs across Ireland.”
Councillor Albert Dolan, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway commented, “Investment in our emergency services is a key priority for Elected Members who recognise the importance of maximising the capacity and ability of our firefighters to respond effectively to emergency incidents across County Galway.”
“I want to thank our Fire and Rescue Service teams for their invaluable contribution to making our communities safer.”
Photo : Murtography
In addition to this development, a new fire station for Loughrea is currently at the planning stage and is due to go to tender in December.
Plans are also in the works for a new central fire station and headquarters in Galway City, which is expected to be an €18 million project.
Addressing those in attendance at the official opening of the new station, Chief Fire Officer for Galway City and County Gerry O’ Malley acknowledged the work of retired Chief Executive Jim Cullen and retired Chief Fire Officer Michael Raftery for their contributions to this project.
“This new facility will allow us to improve community fire safety and underpin the safety of the Athenry crew. I also want to thank local partners under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations, namely Galway Port Company, Circle K, COLAS CBE West, Tynagh / GE Energy and ALS Minerals for their financial support of the unmanned ground vehicle project,” concluded Mr. O’Malley.
