Cowen welcomes announcement of capital funding for Clara Fire Station

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Barry Cowen, has welcomed confirmation from his party colleague Minister Darragh O'Brien that in addition to the announcement of €3.8m for redevelopment works at the Tullamore Regional Fire Training Centre, he has also confirmed the approval to Offaly County Council for contractors to be signed in the coming weeks for a new Fire Station in Clara.

Deputy Cowen said: "It was a key priority of mine, on my Party entering Government, that the Clara Fire Station project was placed on the Department's capital plan. I was delighted to receive confirmation from Minister O'Brien that the proposed project can now be accommodated within the fire services capital programme and that his Department will progress this project as a matter of priority.

"As the current Fire Station is located on a confined site with an insufficient footprint for the upgrade works required, I understand that the new fire station will be located in Raheen.

"I’d like to praise the efforts of Cllr Frank Moran for keeping the spotlight on this project. I will continue to ensure matters are progressed sufficiently, thus allowing Minister O’Brien and the Department to honour the commitment to fund this important project as soon as possible.”