SALTHILL Hotel will host the Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) annual Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel on Wednesday and Thursday.
Fire Officers, industry experts, and government and local government officials from Ireland and overseas will gather for the annual showcase event for Ireland’s fire and emergency services sector.
Hosted by Galway Fire and Rescue Service, the theme of the 2025 conference is ‘Delivering a Modern Fire Service – the Future is Here and Now’. The lineup 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 fire service fleet and equipment from all the main suppliers to the Irish Fire Services.
Gerry O’Malley, Conference Secretary and Chief Fire Officer for Galway Fire and Rescue Service, said the 2025 conference will address key challenges confronting the Fire Services while highlighting the latest advancements in fire service operations and prevention technologies.
He explained, “The CFOA represents the leadership and senior management of all Irish fire services, with a mission to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country,” he stated. “The conference and exhibition aim to provide a platform for those in the fire and rescue sector to discuss pressing issues, explore cutting-edge fire service equipment and appliances, and discover the latest technologies in fire operations and prevention”.
O’Malley added, “The event will showcase expert speakers from Ireland and abroad in the emergency services and fire industry, sharing their expertise and insights to offer innovative solutions for adapting the Fire and Rescue Service to current challenges”.
The conference will be opened by Dennis Keely, CFOA Chairperson and Chief Fire Officer for Dublin Fire Brigade, with a video address to delegates provided by James Browne TD (FF), Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Mark Hardingham, former Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), will speak about the Final Report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, following the death of 72 people in the worst UK residential fire since World War II. Meanwhile, the inquiry learnings and fire safety changes will be the subject of a talk by ARUP fire safety specialist and expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, Dr Barbara Lane.
The risks and challenges associated with Lithium-Ion batteries, used primarily in electronic devices, electric vehicles and small appliances, will be studied by Conor Leonard, Head of Batteries and Projects, WEEE Ireland.
Phil Garrigan, Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), will share UK perspectives, while Peter Lonergan from the European Emergency Number Association will explore how improved communications can enhance emergency response.
Additional speakers include Ray Goggins, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Director at Core Skill Training, discussing effectiveness; Liam Carroll, SEO Climate Change and former Acting Chief Fire Officer at Carlow Fire and Rescue Service, addressing the Irish Fire Service’s role in climate change resilience; Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, presenting a national perspective on fire services; and Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global, exploring cultural intelligence as a key skill for managing rapid change.
Conference delegates will be welcomed by Cllr. Peter Keane, (FF) Mayor of Galway City, and Cllr. Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, followed by addresses from Michael Owens, Deputy Chief Executive of Galway County Council; and Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council.
The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of all local authorities in Ireland and is also a member of the Federation of European Union Fire Officer Associations (FEU) and the CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.
