Waterford Senator John Cummins has welcomed today’s announcement that Waterford is to receive two new fire engines as part of the €61 million Fire Service Capital Programme 2021 – 2025. Under the programme, Kilmacthomas is one of twelve new fire stations nationally to be built which Cummins has described as an “important and welcome addition to mid-county Waterford”.
Senator Cummins said “I understand that a new fire station for Kilmacthomas has been mooted for quite some time and it was originally part of the previous capital plan but didn’t progress for a number of reasons but its inclusion in the capital plan list for 2021 is both welcome and timely given the massive rejuvenation that Kilmacthomas has undergone with the Waterford Greenway in recent years. Kilmacthomas is a fantastic town with so much going for it and it is important that services like the Fire Service keep a pace with developments in the area”.
He added “It is important now that Waterford City & County Council progresses this project as a matter of urgency so that it can commence construction during 2021”.
As part of the capital plan Waterford is also to take delivery of two new fire engines. “It is vitally important that our Fire personnel have the best equipment at their disposal and maintaining a reliable fleet in optimal condition is a huge part of that. Under the first tranche, 35 new appliances are to be provided nationally at an approximate cost of almost €16 million and Waterford is to get two of these. I will be pushing to ensure Waterford receives further fire appliances in the second tranche of €12 million which will be spent in 2024-2025 because the work that the Waterford fire service does twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred and sixty-five days of the year is second to none.
Announcing the plan, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said “This is a clear demonstration of the Government’s support for our fire service and the work they do in protecting people, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations. This year of all year’s we are all truly grateful for the work of those on the frontline and in our emergency services. I’d like to thank the staff and crew of all our fire services across the country for their work this year and every year”.