Funding announced for new fire appliances

The Donegal Fire Service is set to receive two new Class B fire appliances under government funding received by the Donegal County Council.

Class B fire appliances are the first appliances mobilised to all incidents. They generally carry 1,800 litres of water, have a main pump built-in and carry equipment including a selection of hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus equipment, hydraulic cutting equipment, chimney fire equipment and first aid equipment.

Currently, there are sixteen fire stations in Donegal operating across the county with one hundred and fifty part time fire fighters. 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has announced the funding of €20.8 million for the provision of 40 new ‘Class B’ fire appliances, which will be allocated across the country’s 27 Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services.

A new Joint Procurement Framework agreement with the Office of Government Procurement (OFP) has been established for the supply of the appliances. 

“In order to maintain a reliable frontline response fleet in optimal condition, a total of €20.8 million will be allocated for new ‘Class B’ fire appliances which will be allocated in three tranches from 2023 to 2025,” Minister O’Brien said.

“I have a longstanding admiration and respect for the work of the fire services. Our firefighters are dedicated and committed people who protect lives, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations. 

“The allocation of these 40 new appliances is a clear demonstration of the Government’s support for local authority Fire and Rescue services and its commitment to strengthening emergency response capacities.”

This news comes following the conclusion of Fire Safety Week, which this year ran from October 9 to 15.

During Fire Safety Week, community groups were asked to check in with vulnerable neighbours, family and friends in their communities. A working smoke alarm is the first line of defence should a fire break out at home and an additional €100,000 has been invested this year, through the expanded Community Smoke Alarm Scheme from local Fire Authorities, to provide specially adapted smoke alarms for more vulnerable members of our society.