Funding announced for two new Laois fire stations
The current Fire Station in Rathdowney
FUNDING has been approved for two long-awaited fire stations in Co. Laois.
The government announced on 7 April that €6.3 million has been allocated for two new fire stations in Laois: €3 million for a new fire station in Rathdowney and a further €3.3 million for a new fire station in Stradbally.
Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming said in a statement that he is pleased with the announcement, adding: “This is great news that the money has now been confirmed”.
He continued: “I have been working closely with the government and Laois County Council on this, and it is good to see this much needed investment in our county.
“This funding represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of Rathdowney and Stradbally communities.
“It ensures that the new fire stations in Rathdowney and Stradbally will have first-class facilities which will lead to an improved service in these areas.
“I am calling on all involved to progress these two projects as urgently as possible”, he concluded.
Laois Fine Gael TD, William Aird, echoed Deputy Fleming’s sentiments: “I’m delighted to see this funding for emergency services in Stradbally and Rathdowney”, he said.
Deputy Aird noted that the funding will be used for the construction of new stations in these towns, adding: “This investment ensures our fire services will have access to the modern tools, facilities and systems they need.
“We want our firefighters to have the best facilities possible to deal with serious issues right across our communities in Laois.
“Our fire and emergency services are reliable and hardworking; it is vital that they have the facilities they need to best serve the community. This is a major investment in the safety and resilience of our communities across Laois.”
The funding for Laois fire services arrives as part of a total €328.5 million fund under the Fire Services Capital Programme. €178.6 million will be invested in building or refurbishing 39 fire stations across the country and €86.9 million will be invested in the national fire fleet. It will help fire services deal with increasing severe weather events, wildland fires, and urban growth.
