Tipperary Fire Service is looking into purchasing off-road vehicle for Suir Blueway emergencies

Tipperary Fire Service is looking into purchasing a vehicle that will enable fire fighters to quickly reach people who suffer an injury, become ill or fall into the river on the Suir Blueway between Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. 

Carrick-on-Suir Cllr David Dunne told Tipperary County Council’s monthly meeting that he heard negotiations are underway to purchase an off-road vehicle suitable for travelling on the Suir Blueway. Chief Fire Officer Eddie Ryan   confirmed to him  that Tipperary Fire Service is actively looking into that at the moment. 

“We are looking at the best solution to provide off-road capabilities for both Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir Fire Services,” he told councillors. 

Cllr Dunne highlighted a recent incident  where Fire Service personnel were called to assist a person who came off a bicycle on the Blueway and became trapped in the river.   He said fire officers had to run nearly 2km on the Blueway carrying equipment on their backs to reach the person in trouble.  

The Sinn Féin councillor pointed out that this was one of several incidents the Fire Service has been called to on the Blueway.