New fire stations and vehicles on the way as Waterford secures near-€9m funding boost

Waterford is set to benefit from a major multi-million euro boost for its fire services, with new stations and equipment confirmed 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, €8.7 million has been allocated to Waterford City and County Council, which will see the construction of new fire stations in Tallow and Kilmacthomas, along with the acquisition of new fire appliances and support vehicles.

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."

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.

READ MORE | Waterford Council spends over €18,000 on St. Patrick’s Day trip to United States

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, Waterford TD John Cummins said: "I welcome the announcement of funding through the Fire Services Capital Programme for a new fire station at Tallow and the continued support for the new fire station at Kilmacthomas.

"This long-term investment through the Department's Fire Services Capital Programme not only ensures the ongoing development of the infrastructure of fire stations in Waterford, but also provides further investment in vehicle fleets, specialist equipment and command and control capability, reflecting the importance we place on fire safety of our communities."

The funding will include two new Class B fire appliances, a high reach aerial appliance and three support vehicles, strengthening response capacity across the county.

Minister Cummins added: "This investment in the fire service will reinforce public safety in Waterford and ensure that our critical infrastructure and essential services are protected.

"Having fire services that are recognised as dependable, well trained and well equipped is crucial to the communities they serve, and this injection of funding will future proof the service they provide."