Light at the end of the tunnel for long awaited fire station
Kilmacthomas Fire Station
It was recently announced that €2.7m worth of funding will be allocated for the construction of a brand-new state-of-the-art fire station in Kilmacthomas.
The project has been in the works for well over a decade.
In fact back in 2009, it was announced that funding had been received and the project was ready to progress.
Due to significant hurdles however, the progression of the development has been slow and arduous.
Following last weeks announcement of funds, the project now looks set to commence, with Minister John Cummins saying that “it is great to finally have certainty on the project proceeding.”
The new station will be constructed on a green field site approximately 1 km from the existing Kilmacthomas Fire Station.
The station design is a substantial upgrade from the existing fire station, which is limited in size and is situated on a confined site in the centre of Kilmacthomas.
The new station will provide adequate facilities for 12 personnel.
The development will consist of the construction of a single storey fire station to contain two appliance bays and all supporting fire station welfare facilities including lockers, showers and toilets.
A service yard and training tower will also be constructed.
Councillors in the area enthusiastically welcomed the funding last week, many of whom have been fighting for the development for years.
Cllr Seanie Power said, "I'd like to welcome the funding for Kilmacthomas fire station. Its something that all the councillors here and of course former councillor Ger Barron here have been raising for years. It will be a great addition to the area."
Cllr Power emphasised the importance of our local fire service, as did Cllr John O’Leary who said: "The fire service is crucially important. Any time we look at the news there's deaths or accidents in relation to fire and its always a very, very sad event. So this is a welcome addition to Kilmacthomas and the surrounding areas."
Meanwhile, there were also some concerns over the delivery.
Whilst welcoming the funding, Cllr Liam Brazil said that station was promised back in 2009 and was never delivered.
Cllr Catherine Burke added: “Id like to welcome the funding, however this is going on long before my time as a councillor so my question is about procurement and when will we actually see work done on the site?"
In response to Cllr Brazil's and Cllr Burke's concerns, Waterford Council official, Donal O'Muchadha, said: "Funding was announced. but I'll ask for a detailed update on procurement and the design process that will now be triggered on the receipt of funding."
