The €435,000 Class B Fire Appliance was officially taken in for delivery earlier this week.
Built by HPMP Ltd from Tullow in County Carlow, the vehicle contains a full range of fire-fighting equipment, including a portable pump, generator, breathing apparatus and crash rescue equipment. The appliance also carries a set of ladders capable of reaching up 13.5m in height.
It is built on a Scania P320 18-tonne chassis that has been supplied by Westward Scania and is powered by a 320 brake horsepower (BHP) turbocharged engine coupled to an Allison automatic six-speed transmission with integrated retarder, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control and autonomous braking system. The coachwork is a copolymer plastic construction with an integrated 1,800L water tank.
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The vehicle will carry a crew of six and will be permanently based at Ennistymon Fire Station as part of their emergency response along with a water tanker, a second Class B Fire Appliance and a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Welcoming the launch of the new vehicle, Cllr Tony O'Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: "This new vehicle will support the invaluable work of Fire Service personnel in protecting their communities."
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, commented: "Ennistymon Fire Brigade covers an expansive fireground in North Clare requiring that its local Fire Station must be adequately resourced. The provision of this new appliance is a further indication of Clare County Council's commitment to the development of its fire and emergency services for the benefit of the people of the county."
Siobhán McNulty, Acting Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council, added: "Clare County Council is committed to ensuring that the Fire Service fleet and equipment continues to modernise, and the addition of a new Class B Fire Appliance will ensure the fleet continues to be maintained to the highest standards."
