Clare Local Authorities today signed a EUR997k contract with L&M Keating Construction of Kilmihil to carry out extension and refurbishment works at Shannon Fire Station.
The works include the addition of three extra fire bays, the development of the drill yard, as well as the inclusion of new accommodation facilities for the crew of twelve fire service personnel. The station’s lecture room, toilets, showers, and Drying and Breathing Apparatus Equipment rooms will also be upgraded. Construction work is scheduled to last approximately 10 months.
Today’s contract signing ceremony was attended by Cllr. Madeleine Taylor Quinn, Mayor of Clare; Cllr. Patricia McCarthy, Chairperson of the SPC on the Environment, Emergency Services and Consumer Affairs; Ger Dollard, Shannon Town Manager and Director of Services; Cllr. Gerry Flynn, Mayor of Shannon; Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service; Members of the Shannon Fire and Rescue Crew; and representatives of L&M Keating Construction, Lawlor & Partners (QS) and P. Coleman & Associates.
Commenting on the commencement of works at Shannon Fire Station, Cllr. Madeleine Taylor Quinn, Mayor of Clare, said, ‘The development of improved facilities at Shannon Fire Station is imperative considering Shannon’s status as a Hub town under the National Spatial Strategy. The rapidly expanding population of Clare’s second largest town further heightens the need for a modern and well-equipped Fire And Rescue Service.’
Mayor Taylor-Quinn continued, ‘The strategic location of Shannon Fire Station so close to a major international airport brings with it additional risks. I am delighted to see that Clare County Council, with the support of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has taken these risks into account by developing new and improved facilities.’ ‘All in all, the commencement of construction work represents a very positive development of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service and, more significantly, the people who live in, work in and visit Shannon. I would like to compliment Clare’s fire and rescue service personnel who provide a professional service at all times. Their invaluable contribution to making our communities more safe should not be understated and, therefore, I salute them’, she added.
According to Cllr. Gerry Flynn, Mayor of Shannon, ‘The fire fighting capability of the local service will be greatly enhanced through the provision of a refurbished and larger station in Shannon.’ ‘I look forward to the day when Shannon, as an expanding town can benefit from a full time local fire and rescue service with a specially-commissioned section for a fast response paramedics unit. The contract signing is a major step towards the facilitation of such services’ commented Mayor Flynn.
Mr. Tom Burke, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, explained that ‘the completion of these works will enable the Fire and Rescue Service to allocate additional fire vehicles in Shannon. We also intend developing training facilities in Shannon, similar to those currently being put in place at Ennis Fire Station. Furthermore, the Service intends locating a new water tanker in Shannon, subject to the approval of funding by the Department. The provision of this unit will enhance our capability to deal with structural fires along with fire incidents in Shannon and its' environs.’ He explained that works would be implemented on a phased basis and that there would be no disruption to service delivery.
Cllr Patricia McCarthy, Chairperson of the Strategic Policy Committee on the Environment, Emergency Services and Consumer Affairs, commented, ‘In spite of the current economic climate, it is pleasing to see that investment in our emergency services is continuing.’ The Shannon Town and Clare County Councillor added, ‘This is great news for the County Clare Fire and Rescue Service considering it follows on so quickly after the official opening of the new Killaloe Fire Station and the Department’s approval of funding for a new fire training centre in Ennis’.
2008 to date has been a very positive year for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service. The age of the Fire Appliance fleet continues to be upgraded with Shannon Brigade recently taking delivery of two Class B Fire Appliances (2008 & 2003). Ennis Fire Brigade have taken delivery of a 2003 Class B Fire Appliance, Killaloe Fire Brigade have taken delivery of a 2001 Class B and a 2008 4x4 Van. Kilrush will shortly receive a 2003 Combination Aerial Appliance and Scarriff will be upgraded with a 2001 Class B Fire Appliance. This will mean that the oldest Class B Fire Appliance on the run will be only 13 years old up from 18 years in 2007. Meanwhile, work has commenced on the construction of a new Training Centre at Ennis Fire Station.
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is currently made up of 12 Senior Fire Officers, 1 Wholetime Station Officer in Ennis and 77 Retained Firefighters in seven stations throughout Clare. The Service fleet consists of 27 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 four 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.
IMAGE (ABOVE): Pictured at the signing of the contract for the Extension / Upgrade Works to Shannon Fire Station, which was signed at Shannon Fire Station on Tuesday 9 September 2008, were Pat Quinlivan and Lorcan Hoyne of L&M Keating Contractors, Madeline Taylor Quin Mayor of Clare, and Ger Dollard Director of Services and Town Manager Shannon
Pic Ger Leddin
The Mayor of Clare has paid tribute to Fr. Sean Sexton who this week retired following 40 years of service to the Clare Youth Service.
