Work Underway On New Kilmallock Fire Station

The contract involves the provision of a three-bay Fire Station with ancillary areas and a 13m-high drill training tower on a green field site at the junction of the Bruff and Bruree Roads, adjacent to Kilmallock Business Park. Construction work commenced earlier this month and is expected to be completed in autumn 2010.

The contract is being funded by the Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which is providing 1.6m euro for all costs, including Construction Costs and Design Fees.

Today’s contract signing ceremony at Limerick County Hall was attended by the Limerick County Manager, Chairman of Limerick County Council, Chief Fire Officer for County Limerick, Kilmallock Fire Station Officer and Substation Officer, members of the Kilmallock Area Committee, and representatives of the successful contractor and the Design Team, which comprises Gilroy McMahon Architects, Mulcahy McDonagh Quantity Surveyors, Muir Associates Structural Engineering Consultant, and Varming Mech and Elec Consulting Engineering.

Commenting on the commencement of works at Kilmallock Fire Station, Cllr. David Naughton Quinn, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said, "‘In spite of the current economic climate, it is pleasing to see that investment in our emergency services is continuing. The commencement of construction work represents a very positive development for Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service as well as the people who live in, work in and visit Kilmallock and its environs."

"I would like to compliment County Limerick Fire And Rescue Service personnel who provide a professional service at all times. Their invaluable contribution to making our communities safer should not be understated, he added.

Limerick County Manager Edmond Gleeson noted: "The development of this modern and well-equipped Fire And Rescue facility represents yet another significant boost for the infrastructure of Kilmallock and surrounding areas, which last month benefited from the opening of the new 6m euro Kilmallock Area Office and Regional Library. Most importantly for members of the community, the fire fighting capability of the local service will be greatly enhanced through the provision of the new fire station."

Carmel Kirby, Chief Fire Officer, Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service said the new station would enhance the Service’s capability to deal with fire incidents in Kilmallock and its environs.

She added: "For the first time ever, the Fire Service will be self sufficient in the Kilmallock Area. There is no question that the welfare, health and safety of fire officers will be further improved by the provision of this new facility. The development of Kilmallock’s first training area and drill tower, along with a service area for Breathing Apparatus Equipment, also will further improve the Service’s ability to respond to emergency incidents."

Ms. Kirby confirmed that four fire fighters were recruited in Kilmallock in 2009, which are in addition to the existing eight locally based fire fighters. Meanwhile, two Class B Fire Appliances, a Water Carrier and Four-Wheel Drive are currently located in Kilmallock.

Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service is currently made up of 10 Senior Fire Officers, 1 Wholetime Brigade Mechanic and 72 Retained Firefighters in six stations throughout Limerick, including Kilmallock, Foynes, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale and Cappamore. The Service also provides financial support to its counterpart service in Limerick City, to provide fire cover to the city environs in County Limerick.

The Service fleet consists of 30 vehicles, including 12 Class B Fire Appliances, 4 Water Tankers, 1 Emergency Tender, 1 Aerial Rescue Vehicle and 3 Four-Wheel Drives. The Service also possesses 3 Spare Class B appliances and six additional support vehicles. The Service this year retained the quality management standard ISO 9001:2008, which is subject to an external audit each year.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or email media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of the contract signing will be made available on www.dunphyprimages.com later today