Minister officially opens new €1m Ferbane Fire Station
A €1m new fire station at Ferbane was officially opened on Monday by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy.
The new facility provides for a two-bay station with a training yard, lecture room, canteen and staff facilities. Specific training installations include a drill tower, an underground water tank and breathing apparatus compressor room.
The Minister said: “This new station at Ferbane incorporates all of the facilities to meet the requirements of our modern and developing fire service.”
He pointed out that his department had, in recent years, also fully funded new fire stations in Edenderry and Birr.
The majority of fire deaths continue to occur in domestic premises and Offaly County Council is encouraging people to ensure they fit and maintain a working smoke alarm in their home.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Quinn congratulated all associated with the provision of the new fire station in Ferbane.
He sait it is an invaluable piece of public infrastructure for the local communities of West Offaly.
He also singled out for praise the service garden and the importance of remembering and giving recognition to all the firefighters that have served their community.
The Ferbane project has been delivered on time and on budget by Finna Construction and designed by Tobin Consulting Engineers from Galway and Niamh Kearns Architects.
Chief Fire Officer Eoin O’Ceilleachair noted that the recent experiences of severe weather events illustrated the value and reassurance that a highly skilled and competent fire brigade brings to the community.
In addition to high levels of training and competence amongst our firefighters, he pointed out how important it is that the stations, fleet and equipment in place for those firefighters is up to the very highest standard and fit for the purpose of running a modern fire and rescue service.
Fine Gael TD Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy said: “I would like to commend Offaly County Council for their hard work and commitment to ensure that this project was delivered for Ferbane.
“This hugely impressive state-of-the-art facility is a very welcome addition to the town and it greatly improves the streetscape on entering Ferbane. The new station is connected to the existing ‘Old Railway Station’ in a very sympathetic way, which has ensured the preservation of this Protected Structure.
She said she was delighted to be in a position to prioritise the delivery of this €1 million project with the Government since her election to the Dáil in 2011.
“The station will greatly assist the provision of this vital first responder emergency service to Ferbane and the wider community.
“The cutting edge modern equipment and dedicated crew at Ferbane, led by Station Officer Fergal McGuire will help to keep our communities safe,” she said.