State-of-the-art new fire station opens in Athenry, County Galway

A state-of-the-art €2.8m new fire station has been opened by Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service in Athenry.

Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, T.D., and Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Councillor Albert Dolan performed the officially opening of the 400m2 facility, which replaces the old station on Crowe Street which has been in operation since the 1960s.

Funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a site at Ballygarraun South that was purchased from the IDA in 2021, the station includes significant training facilities and provides for the introduction of new capabilities, including unmanned ground vehicles for remote firefighting and hazardous materials response.

The development represents another milestone in the Galway Fire and Rescue Service capital infrastructure development programme following on from the opening of new fire stations in Clifden (2010), An Cheathrú Rua (2015) and Tuam (2018).

The main contractor for the project was Mountbellew-based Coolsivna Construction Ltd, while the Design Team Lead was led by Vincent Hannon Architects from Galway and supported by Tobin Engineers, Coffey Consulting Engineers and Tom McNamara & Partners.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Rabbitte said, “This investment isn’t only about buildings and vehicles, it’s about developing a national fire service that can adapt to our changing world. On a national level, plans are in place to establish Regional High-Capacity Pumping and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capabilities. Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service have been chosen as one of the regional hubs for these essential services. This hub will serve not only Galway but will be available as a regional hub to serve all surrounding counties in west and north-west, and working in conjunction with other regional hubs across Ireland. This regional approach emphasises the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management’s commitment to ensuring that no matter where emergencies arise, our fire service personnel are prepared to respond with the best resources available.”

Councillor Albert Dolan, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway commented, “Investment in our emergency services is a key priority for Elected Members who recognise the importance of maximising the capacity and ability of our firefighters to respond effectively to emergency incidents across County Galway.  I want to thank our Fire and Rescue Service teams for their invaluable contribution to making our communities safer.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “The development of this modern and well-equipped facility represents a significant boost for the infrastructure of Athenry and surrounding areas, which is set to benefit from the €6m Athenry Public Realm Enhancement Project, has recently benefited from the opening of a new social housing scheme, and is the location for a new global manufacturing facility being developed by Dexcom.  More importantly for members of the community, the firefighting capability of the local service will be greatly enhanced through the provision of this new facility.”

Mr. Conneally acknowledged the support of the NDFEM and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in their financing of the project.

He continued, “I also want to acknowledge the staff of Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service for bringing the project to a successful conclusion, as well as thank the Elected Members and local Oireachtas Members for their continued support.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services at Galway County Council confirmed that a number of other Fire Service capital projects are at varying stages of development.

He explained, “A new fire station in Loughrea is currently at planning stage and we anticipate it will go to tender for a main contractor next month. Elsewhere, a design team is expected to be appointed shortly for a new Fire Service Mechanics Workshop in Athenry with an anticipated start date of late 2025. Furthermore, preparations for a much-needed new central fire station and headquarters in Galway City are well underway and this project is likely to cost in the region of €18m.”

Addressing those in attendance at the official opening of the new station, Chief Fire Officer for Galway City and County Gerry O’ Malley acknowledged the work of retired Chief Executive Jim Cullen and retired Chief Fire Officer Michael Raftery “in relation to their earlier but vital contribution to the project.”

“This new facility will allow us to improve community fire safety and underpin the safety of the Athenry crew. I also want to thank local partners under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations, namely Galway Port Company, Circle K, COLAS CBE West, Tynagh / GE Energy and ALS Minerals for their financial support of the unmanned ground vehicle project,” concluded Mr. O’Malley.

The new Athenry Fire Station became operational on 25^th October 2024.