Gowna Construction has commenced work on the new Virginia Fire Station in Rahardrum, Co Cavan.

The project, taking place on the Virginia – Bailieborough Road, will be supervised by Malachi Cullen Consulting Engineers on behalf of Cavan County Council.

Cathaoirleach of the Virginia-Ballyjamesduff Municipal District, Cllr Winston Bennett, was joined by Cavan's newly-appointed Chief Fire Officer Noel O'Reilly, Cavan County Council Head of Finance, Des Maguire, local elected representatives, and council staff in turning the sod on the project.

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Speaking following the ceremony, Cavan County Council's Chief Fire Officer, Noel O'Reilly said: "I am pleased to see this investment by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in this much-needed new facility, and I look forward to completion of the new Virginia Fire Station next year. This state-of-the-art modern facility will greatly assist the Virginia Fire Brigade as they continue to provide vital life-saving emergency services to the people of East Cavan.

Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Winston Bennett, added: "Virginia Fire Brigade, and Cavan County Fire Service in general, always operate with the utmost professionalism, and I am delighted to see work commence on this new station, which will meet the needs of a dynamic 21st century emergency service."

The project is being fully grant aided by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management within the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Work is expected to be completed on-site by the end of 2019.

(CM/MH)