Multi-million funding boost confirmed for Carlow fire station upgrade in national plan

Carlow is set to benefit from a multi-million euro boost for its fire services, with funding confirmed for the upgrade of Bagenalstown Fire Station as part of a landmark national investment.

The funding forms part of the Government's €328.5 million Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030) - the largest ever investment in fire and emergency services in the history of the State.

Under the plan, €2.8 million has been allocated for the refurbishment and upgrade of Bagenalstown Fire Station, as part of a wider €12.8 million package for Carlow and Kilkenny.

Announcing the programme, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: "This programme represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Ireland.

"It ensures our fire services across the country will have a modern fleet, upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks."

READ MORE | Major boost for Carlow soccer club as permission granted for floodlights at club grounds

The programme sets out a plan to modernise Ireland's fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.

Over the next five years, €178.6 million will be invested in building or refurbishing 39 fire stations across the country, while €86.9 million will go towards upgrading the national fire fleet, including 40 new fire appliances.

Welcoming the local funding, Carlow-Kilkenny TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere said the investment would make "a real difference on the ground."

"This is a hugely significant investment for Carlow and Kilkenny and will make a real difference on the ground.

"These projects will ensure our firefighters have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities as they continue their vital work protecting lives, homes and businesses across our community."

Deputy Cleere added that the funding comes at a crucial time.

"This investment is about future-proofing our fire services and ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of a changing Ireland.

"With more severe weather events, growing populations and increasingly complex emergencies, this funding comes at the right time."