New fire engines announced for Laois
Laois County Fire and Rescue Services are to get two new fire engines before the end of 2025.
The Class B fire engines were announced as part of a nationwide rollout of 40 new engines for firefighters across 27 local authorities.
Laois received the largest allocation in the Midlands, with Offaly, Westmeath and Longford all to receive one engine each.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien announced funding of €20.8 million for the provision of the 40 new ‘Class B’ fire appliances.
Laois County Fire and Rescue has eight bases across the county in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick, Rathdowney, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Mountrath and Stradbally.
‘Class B’ fire appliances are the first appliances mobilised to all incidents. They generally carry 1,800 litres of water, have a main pump built in and carry equipment including a selection of hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus equipment, hydraulic cutting equipment, chimney fire equipment and first aid equipment.
A new Joint Procurement Framework agreement with the Office of Government Procurement (OFP) has been established for the supply of the appliances, explained Minister O’Brien.
“In order to maintain a reliable frontline response fleet in optimal condition, a total of €20.8 million will be allocated for new ‘Class B’ fire appliances which will be allocated in three tranches from 2023 to 2025,” he said.
“I have a longstanding admiration and respect for the work of the fire services. Our firefighters are dedicated and committed people that protect lives, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations. The allocation of these 40 new appliances is a clear demonstration of the Government’s support for local authority Fire and Rescue services and its commitment to strengthening emergency response capacities,” said Minister O’Brien.
Speaking about the new arrangement, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth TD, said, “this new Joint Procurement Framework Agreement is an excellent example of collaboration between Government bodies, and I am really pleased to see such a positive, practical solution from partnership working.”
The move comes just months after firefighters across the country took part in industrial action which included pickets and temporary station closures. The action occurred due to staffing and pay conditions. It was resolved when the SIPTU members agreed to accept Workplace Relation Commission proposals on improved pay and conditions at the beginning of September.
The latest announcement coincides with the end of Fire Safety Week, which ran from October 9 to 15. During Fire Safety Week, community groups were asked to check in with vulnerable neighbours, family and friends in their communities. A working smoke alarm is the first line of defence should a fire break out at home and an additional €100,000 has been invested this year, through the expanded Community Smoke Alarm Scheme from local Fire Authorities, to provide specially adapted smoke alarms for more vulnerable members of our society.