Mayo councillor welcomes €3 million investment in Ballyhaunis fire services

Fine Gael councillor Alma Gallagher has welcomed the allocation of  €3 million to Ballyhaunis fire services under the State’s largest ever investment in fire and emergency services. 

The €3 million funding will see the construction of a new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art station in Ballyhaunis. 

The significant investment will see the relocation of the existing fire station, currently based on Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, to a new greenfield site within the required three-kilometre operational radius.

The current station has faced challenges, including inadequate parking and delayed response times due to increasing traffic congestion in the town centre.

Speaking on the announcement, Cllr Gallagher said the investment is hugely important for Ballyhaunis and the wider area:

“The current fire station on Clare Street has served us well, but it is no longer fit for purpose, given the operational demands placed on our fire service. This new, modern facility will greatly enhance response capabilities and ensure the safety of our community for years to come,” she said. 

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The new facility will be constructed to include a ground floor layout with adequate parking, along with dedicated male and female facilities to support firefighters on duty. 

Mayo TD Keira Keogh has also welcomed the announcement, stating that without up-to-date equipment and vehicles, these responders cannot carry out their work.

 “I have been speaking with Station Officer Enda Caulfield in Ballyhaunis, who is delighted with the news, which was a long time coming but badly needed.

 “More support will be needed to get the project off the ground, but the allocation of funding is a huge step forward,” she added.