New fire appliance allocated for Westmeath
Westmeath is to receive a new fire appliance, one of 40 which are to be allocated across the country’s 27 Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services.
The announcement was made on Wednesday last by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, who revealed that funding of €21m has been allocated for provision of the new ‘Class B’ fire appliances.
‘Class B’ fire appliances are the first appliances mobilised to all incidents. They generally carry 1,800 litres of water, have main pumps 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 has been established for the supply of the appliances.
Outlining the details Minister O’Brien said: “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.
“I have a long-standing 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.”
The news came following Fire Safety Week (October 9-15). During the week, community groups were asked to check in with vulnerable neighbours, family and friends in their communities.
Minister O’Brien said that 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 society.