KILLARNEY Fire Station is to undergo a €400,000 upgrade with confirmation today that the funding stream has finally been approved.
The long-promised refurbishment has been included in an overall €61 million capital programme announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien.
The programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments – including Killarney – and 35 new fire engines allocated.
Communications and mobilisation systems will continue to be upgraded and each county will see at least one new fire engine delivered.
Minister O’Brien remarked: “Following close consultation with local authorities, my department carried out a comprehensive analysis of their proposals for fire stations works”.
His department said the upgrade in Killarney can commence immediately as the project is deemed to be ready for construction.
The application for funding was submitted to ensure Killarney Fire Station is equipped to cater for the demands of the future.
Kerry County Council has plans to add a 160m² extension to the existing base on the by-pass road to incorporate an additional three-bay facility to house fire appliances and emergency vehicles.
Interior refurbishments are also in the pipeline to upgrade the administrative and ancillary areas.
The redevelopment is required to cater for appliances that are currently parked outside of the station which is serviced by two seven-strong crews.
The allocation had previously been announced last October but the project has been stalled since then.
The funding has been welcomed today by the Green Party’s representative in Killarney, Diarmaid Griffin.
KillarneyToday.com: Your only 24/7 local news service provider. Call 087-2229761
