Clare Fire and Rescue to get new appliance following funding boost

FUNDING has bed secured for the purchase of a new appliance for Clare Fire and Rescue service.

Details of the funding, from central government, were confirmed to mark the conclusion of Fire Safety Week.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has allocated €20.8 million for the provision of 40 new ‘Class B’ fire appliances across the country.

‘Class B’ fire appliances are the first appliances mobilised to all incidents and they generally carry 1,800 litres of water, have a main pump built in and carry equipment including a selection of hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus equipment, hydraulic cutting equipment, chimney fire equipment and first aid equipment.

There are currently seven operational fire stations across County Clare with additional support being available from Limerick city and Gort in County Galway. The Clare fire stations are located in Ennis, Shannon, Ennistymon, Scariff, Killaloe, Kilrush and Kilkee.

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Following the announcement of government funding, a new Joint Procurement Framework agreement with the Office of Government Procurement (OFP) has been established for the supply of the 40 new appliances.

Announcing the funding, Minister O’Brien said: “In order to maintain a reliable frontline response fleet in optimal condition, a total of €20.8 million will be allocated for new ‘Class B’ fire appliances which will be allocated in three tranches from 2023 to 2025."

One of the new appliances, when delivered, will be allocated to Clare Fire and Rescue, which comes under the remit of the local authority.

“I have a longstanding admiration and respect for the work of the fire services. Our firefighters are dedicated and committed people that protect lives, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations. The allocation of these 40 new appliances is a clear demonstration of the Government’s support for local authority Fire and Rescue services and its commitment to strengthening emergency response capacities," added Mr O'Brien.