Call for ‘urgent progress’ on Monasterevin fire station

CONCERN has been expressed about the ‘ongoing delays’ in providing a new fire station for Monasterevin. Sinn Féin councillor Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh emphasised that the existing station is ‘outdated’ and ‘no longer fit for purpose’, posing significant challenges for fire crews and the wider community.

“The fire station in Monasterevin is in urgent need of replacement. For years, we've been promised action, yet progress has been painfully slow,” she said. “Firefighters in Monasterevin deserve to work in modern facilities, and the community deserves to have confidence that their fire services are operating in the best conditions possible.” Cllr Ní Raghallaigh made the comments in the wake of a recent announcement of a new fire station for Maynooth. The €4.4m project is being funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, through the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management. A key component of the construction of the new three-bay appliance facility will be the introduction of environmentally friendly features, including the installation of PV panels, air-to water heating systems, as well as insulation of doors, windows, roof, floor and walls to improve conservation of energy to current building regulations standards. The new design will also incorporate a training yard with drill tower, lecture room, canteen and staff facilities. The facilities will include individual changing areas for each crew member.

The local councillor is calling on Kildare Co Council and the relevant authorities to prioritise the provision of a new fire station for Monasterevin as a matter of urgency.

“While I am pleased to see the investment in Maynooth, we cannot allow other areas to be left behind,” she said. “Monasterevin has been waiting far too long for this necessary upgrade. I urge the Council to commit to swift action so that our firefighters can continue to do their vital work in safe, modern surroundings.”