Jimmy Deenihan T.D. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has officially declared Kilbarrack Fire Station, Tonlegee Road, Dublin 5 as the 'Worlds First Carbon Neutral Fire Station'.

Dublin Fire Brigade has been serving the citizens of Dublin for 150 years. Kilbarrack Fire Station on Tonlegee Road was built between 1969 and 1973 to cater for the expanding population on the Northside of Dublin. At present it has approximately 40 staff, working shifts, and is known as a one pump station.

Minister Deenihan said: "This is a remarkable achievement brought about by the hard work and dedication of the team here in Kilbarrack, in particular Firefighter Neil McCabe who has been the driving force behind this initiative since writing the plan in 2008. I understand that all concerned have bought into this idea as a shared responsibility for their Fire Station.

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"Indeed, Dublin Fire Brigade has a vision to become world leaders of sustainability and be recognised for their championing of energy and water consumption reduction, waste prevention and biodiversity protection," added Minister Deenihan.

A range of measures were implemented at the station to reduce energy consumption. These included installation of a high efficiency gas boiler with heating controls, light upgrading, pipe replacement lagged to the highest standard, and solar panel installation. In addition to these measures, waste land around the station was used to develop a biodiversity project with four dedicated gardens, working beehives and a vegetable plot where vegetables are grown and used by the stations crew. The plan has also helped the local fire fighters to interact with the local community and local school children now come to the station to learn about sustainability and wildlife.

(CD)