Galway County Council has signed a €3.4 million contract with Burns Construction & Civil Engineering Ltd. for the construction of a new fire station in Loughrea, with work expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The single-storey station on the Athenry Road will replace the town’s existing fire station, which is more than 50 years old. Construction is expected to take around 15 months.
The new facility will include a two-bay appliance hall, training and lecture rooms, a workshop, welfare facilities, specialist equipment storage, a drill yard and a training tower.
It has also been designed to achieve an A energy rating through the use of an air source heat pump, high levels of insulation and other energy-efficient measures.
Chief Fire Officer Gerry O’Malley said the existing fire station was more than 50 years old and no longer met modern operational requirements.
“The new facility will provide significantly enhanced welfare and training facilities for the fire crews, while also addressing the health and safety concerns associated with the present station.”
Mr O’Malley also highlighted the collaboration required to bring the project to construction stage, thanking Council officials, Fire Service colleagues, elected members and everyone involved in progressing the development.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the new station would be “an important asset for Loughrea town and the wider area it will serve”.
He said it would work alongside neighbouring fire stations “in providing an effective fire and emergency response for the people of Loughrea and County Galway”.
Cllr Moegie Maher paid tribute to all parties involved in bringing the project through to construction stage. He also said the future use of the existing fire station site should now be considered.
“As the site is centrally located in the town, any future development should provide appropriate infrastructure and facilities serving local people, businesses and services,” he said.
Cathaoirleach of Loughrea MD, Cllr Geraldine Donohue, said the shortcomings of the existing station had been evident for many years. She acknowledged the efforts of current and former councillors who had campaigned for a replacement station and said their work had helped bring the project to this stage.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, welcomed the €3.4 million investment and thanked Minister Seán Canney for his support, as well as Council staff, including Galway County Fire and Rescue Service, and the elected members for their work in bringing the project to fruition.
“The new fire station is a major investment in Loughrea and will provide a modern facility that is urgently needed. The project is positive news for the town and the wider community. It reflects the significant collaboration between elected members, Council officials and all those involved in advancing the development.”
