"Killaloe Fire Station will now ensure that the town and surrounding areas will continue to be served by a modern quality Fire and Rescue Service for many years to come," commented Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.
He was speaking ahead of next week's visit to the fire station by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley.
The Environment Minister will join Councillor Patricia McCarthy, Mayor of Clare, in officially opening the extension, next Friday 27 June at 1pm.
In early 2006, the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government approved Capital Grant Aid funding of €597,000 for the extension and upgrading of Killaloe Fire Station.
The new facilities, which were delivered by Newport-based contractor Thomas Nolan & Sons, include Reconfiguring the appliance bay to include a 4WD vehicle, New Drying Room facilities, Watchroom, Lecture Room, Male and Female facilities, Breathing Apparatus Maintenance Room, Resurfacing of the Drill Yard, Security fencing, Boundary wall, Automatic Gate and general refurbishment/decorating works.
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Mayor McCarthy said that the upgraded fire station would help boost the fire fighting capabilities of the service in the East Clare area.
"I am delighted to see that Clare County Council, with the support of the Department, is able to continue its programme of maintaining a modern and well equipped fire service.
"I would like to congratulate everybody involved in delivering these new improved facilities. Of course, we should not forget the dedicated fire fighters who will use these facilities and put their own safety on the line day in day out to protect members of the local community," the Mayor added.
According to Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer: "These improvement works help support us in the development and maintenance of a quality Fire and Rescue Service in Killaloe and surrounding areas.
"For example, the provision of extra storage space for a 4-wheel drive vehicle allows additional crew to travel to an incident. It is essential that fire stations are equipped with modern up to date equipment and facilities."
Mr Kelly said that the completion of works at Killaloe Fire Station was one of a series of ongoing positive developments for the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.
"Improvement works costing an estimated €1.4m are planned for Shannon Fire Station over the next 12 months. The procurement process is currently being concluded and it is expected that the works will commence in the near future," he stated.
Mr Kelly added that the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service fleet was continually being upgraded and expanded.
The Clare County Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters is located at Central Fire Station, New Road, Ennis, County Clare.
(JM)
