Major funding for next generation Wicklow fire stations secured
The Wicklow PeopleFrontline safety for families across County Wicklow received a historic boost today as the Government officially confirmed a multi-million-euro overhaul of local fire services, bringing state of the art facilities to Dunlavin and Baltinglass.
The investment is a cornerstone of a broader national strategy developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. Under the five-year €328.5 million Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030), both Dunlavin and Baltinglass will see their aging facilities replaced with new stations, representing a combined investment of €6 million.
Speaking following the announcement, Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris emphasised that the funding is a direct response to long-standing local needs.
“Our fire services do incredible work, day in, day out and they deserve modern facilities and equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively,” he said.
In addition to the new infrastructure, Wicklow County Council has been allocated two new Class B fire appliances. These high-spec vehicles are essential for the county’s frontline response, providing crews with the technology required to combat a diverse range of emergencies, from structural fires and road traffic collisions to the increasing threat of wildland fires.
The Tánaiste noted that the upgrades come at a critical time, as growing populations and volatile weather patterns place unprecedented pressure on local brigades.
"Two new fire appliances for Wicklow will ensure our fleet is kept up to date and ready to respond to the increasing demands being placed on our fire services, whether that's severe weather events, wildland fires or the pressures that come with a growing population," he stated.
The Wicklow allocation is part of a nationwide overhaul announced by Minister James Browne that will see 39 fire stations built or refurbished, and 40 new appliances distributed across the country by 2030. The programme also includes significant funding for advanced training, specialized equipment, and upgraded communication systems to ensure seamless coordination between regional services.
Furthermore, a secondary fund of €31.1 million is proposed for additional appliance procurement between 2028 and 2030, ensuring a continuous cycle of modernisation for the national fleet.
For the residents of west Wicklow, the €6 million investment promises the security of a more robust, rapid-response emergency service.
“This is about protecting lives, homes and businesses, and making sure our emergency services have what they need to do their job effectively,” Minister Harris concluded.
“I want to commend the firefighters and staff across Wicklow's fire service for their dedication and professionalism. This investment is a recognition of the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe".
Fellow Wicklow TD Edward Timmins, who worked on pushing for these new stations when acting as a councillor in west Wicklow, expressed his delight at the news.
He added: “I previously raised the issue with former county manager Frank Curran. I have consistently pressed for progress since then, focusing on advancing the planning process.”
The current station in Dunlavin has operated out of a site beside the old Market House for decades. Local representatives have lobbied for modern facilities since at least 2007, with the project finally gaining momentum through the previous 2021–2025 capital programme before this record-breaking 2026–2030 expansion.
Wicklow has traditionally relied on a retained fire service model, established nationally in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In this model, firefighters are part-time members of the community who remain on 24-hour call, a system that has come under increasing strain as the county’s population surged over the last 40 years.
The modern Class B appliances being delivered are a far cry from the county's early motorised history. For example, when Greystones received its first dedicated fire engine in 1981, it had nowhere to be stored and had to be kept in Wicklow town initially.
While previous national programmes (like the 2021–2025 plan) invested roughly €61 million over five years, this new €328.5 million fund represents a massive scaling up of ambition to address modern risks like wildland fires and severe weather.
While several counties have been allocated single station upgrades or headquarters redevelopments, Wicklow is one of the few to land two brand-new local stations.
The €6 million windfall, paired with an allocation of two high-spec fire appliances, puts Wicklow on par with major hubs like Kilkenny and Waterford.
This significant share of the national pot highlights the government's focus on west Wicklow’s rapidly growing population and the unique geographical pressures of the region.
This funding follows recent historic firsts for the county, such as Bray Fire Station being launched as Wicklow’s first fully decarbonised public building in late 2024, signalling a move toward the eco-friendly station designs now planned for Dunlavin and Baltinglass.
As the programme rolls out through 2030, Wicklow County Council is expected to begin the planning phases for the Dunlavin and Baltinglass sites immediately, marking a new chapter for the county’s emergency preparedness.