The completion of the extension and upgrade works to Shannon Fire Station will 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.That is according to the Mayor of Clare who was commenting ahead of official opening of the new extension this coming Friday 22nd May 2009 at 2.30pm. In August 2008, the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government approved Capital Grant Aid funding of EUR1,224,725 for the extension and upgrading of Shannon Fire Station. The new facilities, which were delivered by Kilmihil-based contractor L&M Keating Ltd., include the addition of three extra fire station bays, the development and re-surfacing of the drill yard, and the inclusion of new accommodation facilities for the crew of twelve fire service personnel. The station’s lecture room, office, toilets, showers, and Drying and Breathing Apparatus Equipment rooms have also been upgraded.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn said that the upgraded fire station would help boost the fire fighting capabilities of the service in the South Clare area. "It is reassuring to see that in these tough economic times that Clare County Council, with the support of the Department of the Environment, is able to continue its programme of maintaining a modern and well equipped fire service”, she commented. The Mayor added, “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 of Shannon Gerry Flynn, who is also an elected member of Clare County Council, warmly welcomed the refurbishment and extension of Shannon Fire Station. He continued, “This refurbishment will serve the people of Shannon and the surrounding area for many years to come and is a crucial public facility that will help in providing ongoing emergency support to the entire community. The facility is a credit to the staff and elected members of Clare County Council, as well as L&M Keating Contractors who have delivered this project. I also wish to praise the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for allocating the necessary funds towards the project, which for the times we live in is a vote of confidence for the work being carried out by the local Fire Service”.
According to Mr. Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, “These improvement works help support us in the development and maintenance of a quality Fire and Rescue Service in Shannon and surrounding areas. For example, the provision of extra storage space for a water tanker allows additional fire-fighting capabilities at 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 Shannon Fire Station was one of a series of ongoing positive developments for the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service. He noted that the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service fleet and facilities were continually being upgraded and expanded. The Chief Fire Officer stated, “In recent weeks, we took delivery of a 4 Wheel Drive Van at Kilkee Fire Station. The Service is also shortly to take delivery of 2 new Water Tankers that will be based at Ennis & Shannon Fire Stations and an Emergency Tender vehicle is currently being built for Shannon Fire Brigade. We are also in the process of seeking Final Approval from the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government to go to tender to construct a Training Centre at Ennis Fire Station.”
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is currently made up of 11 Senior Fire Officers, 1 Wholetime Station Officer in Ennis and 77 Retained Firefighters in seven stations throughout Clare. The Service fleet currently consists of 30 vehicles including twelve Class B Fire Appliances, three Water Tankers, two Emergency Tenders, two Aerial Rescue Vehicles and six 4-Wheel Drives. The Service also possesses three Spare Class B appliances and one Maintenance Van. The Clare County Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters is located at Central Fire Station, New Road, Ennis, County Clare.
