A €3.5m investment by Clare County Council in the county’s Fire and Rescue Service marks a major step forward for emergency services in Clare, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from a highly capable, professional, and well-equipped Fire and Rescue Service.
Aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities, improving firefighter safety, and enhancing services to communities throughout the county, the investment programme will have a significant impact on the capacity of the service – being directly invested into several key capital projects.
Speaking on the programme, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy said, “This investment programme demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that communities across Clare are protected by a modern, well-equipped Fire and Rescue Service. It is particularly important that we continue to invest in both infrastructure and equipment to support our firefighters in the vital work they carry out every day.”
Director of Services for Transport, Climate, Recreation, Environment and Emergency Services, Dr Carmel Kirby said, “This range of projects reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach, encompassing station development, fleet, and critical operational equipment. It ensures that our personnel have the tools and facilities required to safely and effectively deliver services to the public.”
A key priority within the investment programme is firefighter safety. Significant funding has been allocated to the replacement of Breathing Apparatus (BA) sets and the procurement of new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Fire Kit. The replacement of breathing apparatus sets will ensure firefighters are equipped with the latest technology in respiratory protection, enhancing safety in smoke-filled and hazardous environments.
Modern BA sets provide improved reliability, ergonomics, and monitoring capabilities, enabling firefighters to operate more effectively in high-risk conditions. Similarly, the investment in new fire kit will see firefighters equipped with enhanced protective clothing designed to offer higher levels of thermal protection, durability, and comfort. This is particularly important in reducing fatigue and heat stress during prolonged incidents, ultimately improving both firefighter safety and operational performance.
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is also progressing the acquisition of battery-operated hydraulic rescue equipment, representing a major advancement in road traffic collision response. This new equipment will replace traditional petrol-powered generators and hydraulic systems.
Battery-operated tools are significantly quieter, improving communication between crews on scene and reducing stress levels during complex rescues. They also eliminate exhaust emissions, providing a cleaner and safer working environment for firefighters, casualties, and other emergency responders. In addition, the removal of petrol engines and fuel handling reduces operational risks and simplifies deployment, allowing crews to work more quickly and efficiently. The technology is also more environmentally friendly, aligning with broader sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining high performance standards.
Further developments to the fleet in this procurement programme include a new Water Tanker, the refurbishment of the Incident Command Unit to strengthen on-scene coordination, as well as the Scorpion Class B Appliance, currently in build and due for delivery in 2026. Additional fleet investment includes a new Class B appliance and a Rostered Senior Fire Officer 4WD vehicle, supporting operational resilience across the county.
Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly said, “This level of investment will significantly enhance our operational capability and the safety of our firefighters. The introduction of new breathing apparatus, modern fire kit, and battery-operated rescue tools represents a major step forward in how we protect both our personnel and the communities we serve.”
This investment, achieved through grant funding from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and directly from Clare County Council, follows the announcement of the significant developments in the Ennis Fire Station Project. This project is currently at evaluation stage for the appointment of design consultants and represents a major step toward delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for the county’s busiest station.