Fire service investment in Waterford welcomed by Minister Butler

The multi-million euro investment in Waterford fire service has been welcomed by Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD.

In particular, Minister Butler welcomed the allocation of €5.7 million towards the development of new fire stations in Kilmacthomas and Tallow, under the Fire Services Capital Programme.

In January, Minister Butler announced that approval had been given to Waterford City & County Council to accept a tender for construction of a new fire station for Kilmacthomas and €2.7 million has now been allocated under the capital programme, paving the way for works to commence.

Speaking on the matter today, Tuesday, April 7, Minister Butler confirmed her colleague, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD is also allocating €3 million for a new fire station in Tallow, which will be very welcome news for communities in West Waterford.

Minister Butler stated: “I am very pleased to see another significant step taken in the delivery of two new fire service stations in Waterford. Fire services are typically the last line of defence in protecting lives, homes and businesses from a myriad of hazards. This investment ensures they have the modern tools, facilities and systems required to meet that responsibility."

“I want to thank my colleague, Minister James Browne, who has consistently engaged with me on fire services in Waterford," she said.

"He immediately recognised the need to get these projects shovel-ready and off the shelf. Credit is also due to Waterford City & County Council for their continuous work on these important local infrastructure projects," she added.

Minister Butler described the news as very positive for Kilmacthomas which she described as "a town of geographical significance in the context of Waterford fire services, being located mid county".

"Similarly, Tallow Fire Station plays a pivotal role in serving the many communities in West Waterford," she said.

“Today’s announcement represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities in Waterford," she added.

She said the investment will ensure Waterford's fire services will have upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, "with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks".

“The retained firefighters of Kilmacthomas and Tallow, who provide such a vital service to their town and the surrounding communities, will deservedly benefit from a significant upgrade over current premises," she said.

"We are deeply grateful to them for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect people and communities,” she added.

The funding for County Waterford is part of an overall nationwide investment of €328.5 million under the Fire Services Capital Programme (2026-2030).