New €2.8 million fire station officially opened in Athenry
Gerry O'Malley, Chief Fire Officer, Athenry Fire Station pictured with Cathaoirleach of County Galway Cllr. Albert Dolan at the official opening of the Athenry Fire Station. Photo: Murtography
BY JAMIE CONLON
A new state-of-the-art fire station has been opened by Galway County Council in conjunction with Galway Fire and Rescue Service in Athenry.
The new fire station, officially opened on 15 November, is valued at €2.8 million. It replaces the old station on Crowe Street which has been in operation since the 1960s.
The facility includes significant training facilities and provides for the introduction of unmanned ground vehicles for remote firefighting and hazardous materials response.
The official opening of the 400 square metre facility was performed by Minister of State Anne Rabitte TD and Cllr Albert Dolan, Caithaoirleach of the County of Galway.
Minister Rabitte said that the station will be a “regional hub” rather than only serving Galway.
“This investment isn’t only about buildings and vehicles; it’s about developing a national fire service that can adapt to our changing world.
“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.”
Cllr Dolan highlighted investment into emergency services as a priority for elected members.
“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.”
The construction of the new fire station at Athenry is one of several other fire service projects being developed in Galway.
Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services at Galway County Council confirmed that preparations for a central fire station and headquarters in Galway city are underway and will cost “in the region of €18 million”.
A new fire station in Loughrea is at planning stages, as well as a design team to be appointed for a new fire service mechanics workshop in Athenry.
The project was funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the main contractor was Mountbellew-based Coolsivna Construction Ltd.
The new Athenry Fire Station became operational on 25 October.
