Offaly Civil Defence unveils new facilities and celebrates 75th anniversary

Offaly Civil Defence has unveiled its new facilities as it celebrates its 75th anniversary

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy and Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney, joined by Offaly Chief Fire Officer Eoin O’Ceilleachair and Offaly Civil Defence Officer Fergal Conroy, were delighted to welcome Civil Defence Branch Principal Officer Cep Carty for the official unveiling of the newly installed shower and toilet facilities at the Offaly Civil Defence base in Axis Business Park.

This year has been marked by significant progress and investment in Offaly Civil Defence, thanks to the continuing joint support of Offaly County Council and the Department of Defence.

In early 2025, Offaly Civil Defence moved to a new home in Axis Business Park, which has this week seen further refurbishment with the addition of the new toilet and shower facilities. Further investment is planned in 2026, in the form of a technical communications room. All of this to support the growth in Offaly Civil Defence, which recently welcomed a new group of volunteers.

Nationally, the organisation continues to grow and innovate, with the modernisation of the fleet and the roll-out of new national training programmes. Offaly Assistant Civil Defence Officer Bob Flynn has played a key role in the planning and delivering of one of these national training initiatives.

At the unveiling, Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy spoke of his admiration for the organisation and its volunteers, noting “Civil Defence is always the first on site and the last to leave, often working quietly behind the scenes. Their dedication, especially giving up weekends so that our communities can enjoy events, deserves enormous recognition.”

Offaly Civil Defence Officer Fergal Conroy extended his sincere thanks to the Department of Defence and to Civil Defence Branch Principal Officer Cep Carty for the unwavering support, ensuring the organisation and its volunteers, has the appropriate facilities and training to ensure readiness to serve the community effectively.

To mark 75 years of Civil Defence service in Ireland, 18 local volunteers were presented with commemorative medals at a recent ceremony in Maynooth College. The remaining active members will receive their medals locally before Christmas.
For more information or to join Civil Defence, visit www.civildefence.ie/join