Pictured at the official handover of two new Volkswagen Transporter vans to Clare County Fire and Rescue Service at the Central Fire Station Headquarters in Ennis were: (front row, l-r) Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; Killaloe Station Officer Graham Tuohy; Kilrush Station Officer Michael Hanrahan; Director of Physical Development Alan Farrell; and (back row) Fire Service representatives from across the county. In the background are the existing support vehicles. Photo: Eamon Ward.
TWO NEW support vehicles costing a total of €168,000 have been received by the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.
Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the two Volkswagen Transporter vans will replace older similar vehicles in Killaloe and Kilrush fire brigades.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) welcomed the provision of the new vehicles, saying, “It is encouraging to see that investment in the Fire Service is continuing. Our firefighters are among the best trained Fire Service personnel in the country, and these new vehicles will support them in carrying out their essential work”.
Alan Farrell, Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council, said the vehicles would assist in the delivery of a quality Fire and Rescue Service throughout the county. “The addition of these new vehicles to the fleet is one of a series of positive developments for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service in 2024. Later in the year, we are expecting delivery of a new Class B fire appliance costing €549,000, as we continue to ensure that our firefighters have the most modern equipment available to them, in providing an outstanding service to the county year-round”.
Chief Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly explained, “In addition to fire appliances, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service currently operates support vehicles in each of its seven Fire Stations. These vehicles have proved invaluable at a wide range of incidents, particularly wildland firefighting, road traffic collisions, medical assists and swiftwater rescue incidents. The capability of the Fire Service to respond to such incidents has been enhanced through the provision of these new vehicles”.
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service currently is made up of 98 staff, including firefighters, officers, administration and maintenance personnel. The county’s seven fire stations are located in Ennis, Shannon, Ennistymon, Scariff, Killaloe, Kilrush and Kilkee.
