Louth fire and rescue services in €14m boost for stations, training and new appliances
Fire and rescue services across County Louth are set to benefit from a major €14 million investment to upgrade fire stations, enhance training facilities and provide new emergency appliances.
The national capital allocation will see €6 million provided to develop the Dundalk Training Centre, €5 million to redevelop Dundalk Fire Station and €3 million to construct a new fire station in Dunleer. In addition, Louth Fire and Rescue Service will receive one new fire appliance and one new aerial appliance to strengthen frontline response capabilities.
Louth County Council has welcomed the funding, describing it as a significant boost for emergency services across the county. Dundalk Fire Station is one of the busiest full-time stations in the region, and its redevelopment will address longstanding challenges associated with older facilities. The project will focus on modern training standards, enhanced contamination control measures and improved accommodation for fire crews and appliances.
The new Dunleer Fire Station will further strengthen retained fire service coverage in the mid-Louth area, ensuring enhanced protection for growing communities as well as key transport routes.
Welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, said the investment would have a lasting impact on public safety.
“This investment will deliver real and lasting benefits for County Louth, making it a safer place to live, work and play,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of Louth Fire and Rescue Service, whose members work every day to protect lives and property. This funding recognises their vital role and supports their continued service to our communities.”
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, said the service is operating in an increasingly challenging environment.
“The Louth Fire and Rescue Service is operating in an increasingly complex and demanding environment, driven by climate change, severe weather events, population growth and, unfortunately, more challenging emergency incidents,” he said. “To respond effectively, our service must continue to modernise, adapt and innovate. This funding will help our firefighters deliver essential services to the Louth community.”
Chief Fire Officer Robert Page also highlighted the operational importance of the investment.
“This welcomed capital investment from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is crucial for maintaining a modern fire and rescue service capable of meeting evolving risks into the future,” he said. “Upgraded stations and new appliances support firefighter safety, enhance training capacity and allow us to deliver a more effective and efficient service when the community needs us most.”
He added that the funding will ultimately lead to safer outcomes for the people of Louth, whether crews are responding to domestic fires, road traffic collisions or increasingly severe emergency incidents.