Major expansion plan for new Tullamore fire training centre

Plans are moving ahead for a major two-storey extension to a recently-opened fire service training hub in Tullamore.

The €4.5 million fire service training and development centre in Kilcruttin was officially opened in March of this year and is now set to expand its services further with the addition of a virtual reality (VR) "incident command suite" extension.

The new facility is due to be connected to the centre's existing building "via a first-floor enclosed bridge corridor" and includes provision for a range of VR training services, as well as a canteen catering for up to 24 people.

It's hoped that construction would commence in the second quarter of next year, with the project earmarked for completed before the end of 2027.

At the official opening of the centre this year, Offaly County Council chief executive Eoghan Ryan said the local authority looked forward to welcoming fire service personnel from across the country to the new facility.

The council recently went to tender for "multi-disciplinary design team consultancy services" for the construction of the centre's 'VR Incident Command Suite' at the Kilcruttin premises.

According to the tender documents, the building work will involve the development of a VR training room with four dedicated VR pods, where there will be "multi-user networked simulation capability, full AV/audio system, recording equipment, low-throw projectors and wall-mounted displays".

A dedicated control room is due to be installed "to centrally manage and monitor the VR training suite" while there will also be three new 'self-education/syndicate rooms', each catering to eight students, on the ground floor.

The plans for the first floor of the extension include provision for two 'Virtual Education Rooms' - one for up to 18 students - with video conferencing and remote access capability, as well as a canteen with fitted kitchen for up to 24 people, along with a training centre manager's office.

According to the tender documents, the estimated value of the design team consultancy services being sought by the council for the project is €500,000.

The training centre in Tullamore was officially opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, in March.

At the official opening, the then-Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy, described the centre as "an outstanding asset for the Fire Service, not only in Offaly but across Ireland."

Offaly Chief Fire Officer Eoin O'Ceilleachair added that the opening of the centre represented a major step forward for firefighter training.

"The combination of practical outdoor drill space and high-quality indoor learning facilities allows us to deliver instruction to the highest professional standards," said Mr O'Ceilleachair.

"This investment ensures our firefighters have the environment they need to train safely, effectively, and in line with modern operational requirements."