The Ennis-based firm of M. Fitzgibbon (Builders) Ltd. has been celebrating as one of its latest big projects, Limerick County Council's new Fire Station in Kilmallock, become operational.

The €1.3m facility, which replaces the original station in the town, has been completed on schedule and enables the Fire Service to be self sufficient in the Kilmallock Area for the first time.

The new station features a three-bay Fire Station with ancillary areas and a 13m-high drill training tower on a green field site at the junction of the Bruff and Bruree Roads, adjacent to Kilmallock Business Park.

The development was funded by the Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which provided €1.6m for all costs, including construction costs and design fees.

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While the new station was constructed by M. Fitzgibbon (Builders) Ltd, the Design Team comprised Gilroy McMahon Architects, Mulcahy McDonagh Quantity Surveyors, Muir Associates Structural Engineering Consultant, and Varming Mech and Elec Consulting Engineering.

Carmel Kirby, Chief Fire Officer, Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service said the fire fighting capability of the local service will be greatly enhanced through the provision of the new fire station.

She noted that the welfare, health and safety of fire officers also would be further improved by the provision of the new facility.

Chief Kirby explained: "The development of Kilmallock's first training area and drill tower, along with a service area for Breathing Apparatus Equipment, will further improve the Service's ability to respond to emergency incidents."

Ms. Kirby confirmed that 12 fire fighters are based locally in Kilmallock. Meanwhile, two Class B Fire Appliances, a Water Carrier and Four-Wheel Drive are currently located in Kilmallock.

(BMcC/GK)