The newly upgraded Kilkee Fire Station has been officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan.
The opening follows the completion of works to the station of €620,000, with the redevelopment being funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The station, with its nine personnel, operates as part of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service throughout the local authority area of Clare County Council, along with brigades from six other stations. The station provides the base for immediate response to approximately 70 emergency incidents annually.
Speaking at the official opening, Cllr Ryan said: “Much has changed since the original Kilkee Fire Station was built. It was recognised that the old station was no longer fit for purpose. This upgraded station is an excellent facility that has been completed to the highest standard. I welcome this investment in the Fire Service that will support personnel to respond to emergency incidents with maximum efficiency.”
The Project Team included Tomás McKenna Consulting Engineer, Custy Construction Ltd, and McLoughlin & Associates Quantity Surveyors.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, said: “This newly extended station will give the personnel stationed here much more room to accomplish their tasks. The station will provide Kilkee and the wider area with a greatly improved facility to ensure the continued delivery of an effective emergency and fire safety response to the community for future generations. I look forward to this station and those who work here making a valuable contribution to the local community in Kilkee and surrounding areas for many years to come.”
Cllr Cillian Murphy, Cathaoirleach of West Clare Municipal District, said: “This street was my home for most of 35 years, and the men and women of the Fire Service were my neighbours. For 35 years, I have seen, and heard, the members of this station leave at any hour of the day or night, at a moment’s notice, to attend to emergencies of all types, many of which us ordinary folks would struggle to get to grips with, let alone attend with such professionalism and care. They have made an outstanding contribution to our community.
“For a small community at the edge of the county, many miles from other emergency and medical services, they are indeed lifesavers, and we are grateful every day for their service.”
Carmel Kirby, Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council, said: “As we all know, the work of our brave and dedicated firefighters is crucial. I want to commend the local crew here in Kilkee for the work they carry out on a daily basis, 365 days a year. The commitment and professionalism of all the Fire Service personnel is reflected in the outstanding service they provide year-round.”
Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer, said: “The completion of this project represents a very positive development for the Fire Service as well as all of the people who live in, work in, and visit Kilkee.”
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service currently is made up of 91 staff, including firefighters, officers, administration and maintenance personnel.
County Clare’s seven fire stations are located in Ennis, Shannon, Ennistymon, Scariff, Killaloe, Kilrush and Kilkee.
