New Roll Over Protection Systems For Troop Carrying Vehicles

The system was supplied by a Dublin based company, Transport Component Distributors Ltd from the Long Mile Road in Dublin. The contract involved the fitting of the systems to 50 Defence Forces’ vehicles and the modification of a further 50 vehicles to accept the systems. Future requirements will be the subject of further review later this year.

The contract was valued at €571,000 (incl VAT).

Speaking at the event Minister Killeen said "the safety of our troops is paramount at all times. The provision of the Roll Over Protection Systems is an important step for the Defence Forces given that it has been a top priority for the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces from the health and safety perspective in recent years." The Minister continued "the provision of the new systems will ensure that all personnel being carried for operational and training purposes on troop carrying vehicles will be afforded a significantly increased level of safety particularly during the occurrence of a sudden impact from a road traffic accident."

ROPS, which is a relatively recent initiative, consists of compartment structures which are fitted on the back of military trucks to protect troops from injuries caused by vehicle accidents, overturns or rollovers. It is in line with best international practice and is also used by the British Army, the German Forces, the Austrian Forces and the Finnish Forces.

The Defence Forces currently have a fleet of 162 military trucks. The 50 ROPS systems purchased are capable of being fitted to 100 trucks, which can also be used to carry military stores and equipment when not configured for ROPS.

The Minister complimented Transport Component Distributors Ltd on their professional approach to the project and the end product, which will have such an important role to play in the work of the Defence Forces going forward.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available to download from www.dunphypr.com