Funding boost for new fire station in Clara
A sum of €3 million in funding for the construction of a new purpose-built fire station headquarters in Clara was announced this week.
The funding has been hailed by Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack as a “a vital commitment to public safety” which secures the future of Clara Fire Station “for generations to come”, and it has also been warmly welcomed by local Fine Gael TD, John Clendennen, who said it will "strengthen emergency response right across Offaly and ensure crews have the modern facilities and equipment they need."
The funding announcement for Clara was made by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne as part of the Fire Services Capital Programme, and is part of the State's largest-ever investment of €328.5 million in fire and emergency services.
The aim of the programme is to modernise Ireland’s fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.
Deputy John Clendennen praised the "incredible work" undertaken by firefighters on a daily basis, which he observed first-hand on a recent visit to the headquarters of the Tullamore Fire and Rescue Services, and he warmly welcomed the news that Clara is also in line for a new purpose built headquarters.
A new fire engine is also to be provided to Clara Fire Station as part of this week's funding announcement.
In a statement welcoming the €3 mllion funding for Clara, Deputy McCormack said the new development will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for local firefighters, ensuring they have the resources and infrastructure required to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. “At its heart, this is about real security for families and homes across the region,” he commented.
Describing the announcement as “a strong vote of confidence in Clara’s future,” the Offaly Fianna Fail TD said it is about “protecting lives, safeguarding homes and giving our community the certainty that essential frontline services will continue to be delivered to the highest standard.”