*Dennis Keely.
A GOVERNMENT plan to establish four new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) regional hubs in Galway, Cork City, Dublin, and Laois has received unanimous support from Ireland’s Chief Fire Officers.
The need for a rapid deployment capability for incidents such as building collapses was underscored during the October 2022 Creeslough tragedy in County Donegal, when assistance was requested from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has also endorsed the rollout of high-volume pumping (HVP) capabilities nationwide. This technology will allow fire services to move large quantities of water from flooded areas, helping to safeguard lives and property.
Ahead of the annual CFOA Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel in Galway on Wednesday and Thursday (7-8 May), Association Chairperson Dennis Keely said the introduction of USAR hubs and HVP technology will foster unprecedented cross-border collaboration between fire services in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for specialist emergency response.
“Cross-border cooperation between the fire services of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a critical component of the broader emergency response, particularly in specialised areas such as USAR and HVP,” he explained. “This collaboration ensures a coordinated and effective approach to emergencies that may impact both jurisdictions”.
Mr. Keely, who is also Chief Fire Officer for Dublin Fire Brigade, continued, “The CFOA continues to support the introduction and roll out of these valued disciplines along with the appropriate frameworks for cross-border cooperation. These initiatives provide the framework to support joint planning, resource sharing, and coordinated responses to emergencies affecting both Ireland and Northern Ireland”.
“Through ongoing collaboration in USAR and HVP operations, the fire services of Ireland and Northern Ireland continue to strengthen their collective emergency response capabilities, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities on both sides of the border,” he added.
Hosted by Galway Fire and Rescue Service, the theme of the 2025 CFOA conference is ‘Delivering a Modern Fire Service – the Future is Here and Now.’ The line-up features an expert witness from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, and a prominent industry leader in emergency communications.
400 delegates and 150 exhibitors will attend the two-day event, which features a trade exhibition taking place in parallel to the conference programme, showcasing fleet and equipment from all the main suppliers to Irish fire services.
Galway Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer and Conference Secretary, Gerry O’Malley, said the conference will tackle critical challenges facing Fire Services and spotlight the newest advancements in operational and preventative technologies. He emphasised that the CFOA, representing Irish fire service leadership, aims to enhance safety nationwide.
He added, “This conference and exhibition will provide a vital space for the fire and rescue community to engage in critical discussions, witness cutting-edge fire service equipment, and learn about the newest technologies shaping fire operations and prevention. The event will feature expert speakers from both Ireland and international emergency services and the fire industry, offering their expertise to inspire innovative approaches for the Fire and Rescue Service as it adapts to future demands.”
The conference will open with a video address to delegates from James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Mark Hardingham, former Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), will discuss the Final Report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which followed the tragic fire that claimed 72 lives — the UK’s worst residential fire since World War II. Further insights on the inquiry’s findings and subsequent fire safety reforms will be provided by Dr Barbara Lane, ARUP fire safety specialist and expert witness to the Inquiry.
Conor Leonard, Head of Batteries and Projects at WEEE Ireland, will examine the risks and challenges posed by Lithium-Ion batteries, widely used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and small appliances.
Phil Garrigan, Chair of the UK NFCC, will offer perspectives from the UK, while Peter Lonergan of the European Emergency Number Association will highlight how enhanced communications can strengthen emergency response efforts.
Other notable speakers include Ray Goggins, author, keynote speaker, and Director at Core Skill Training, on the topic of operational effectiveness; Liam Carroll, SEO for Climate Change and former Acting Chief Fire Officer of Carlow Fire and Rescue Service, addressing the Irish Fire Service’s role in climate resilience; Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, presenting a national overview of fire services; and Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global, exploring cultural intelligence as a critical skill for navigating rapid change.
Conference delegates will be formally welcomed by Cllr. Peter Keane, Mayor of Galway City (FF), and Cllr. Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, with further addresses from Michael Owens, Deputy Chief Executive of Galway County Council, and Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council.
The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) represents the Chief Fire Officers of all local authorities in Ireland and holds membership in both the Federation of European Union Fire Officer Associations (FEU) and the CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.
