Grant approval for an extension to the Ennis Fire Station will enable its 35 vehicle fleet to be maintained at the county’s fire and rescue service headquarters for the first time.

According to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey, the €1.23 million grant from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is dependent on Clare County Council being satisfied that ground conditions at the rear of the Fire Station are suitable for the proposed extension. 

“I am aware that Clare County Council has been seeking approval and funding to relocate the fire service maintenance and spare appliance storage facility to a new building at the rear of the existing Fire Station. 

“Confirmation of the grant approval means that the council can now accept the tender submitted by Liam O’Doherty Builders, Lahinch Road, Ennis for construction of the new building,” Deputy Carey explained.

“The Fire Station was built in 1979 and the requirements of a modern fire service have evolved significantly over the past 40 years. The fact that the fire and rescue fleet can be serviced and maintained at the Ennis Station will allow additional vehicles and operational equipment to be stored at the Ennis Station.

“This is a significant investment and I hope it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the continuing evolution of the Clare fire and rescue service over the coming years,” Deputy Carey concluded.