Custy Construction Ltd and McKenna Consulting Engineers have been appointed to carry out construction and improvement works at Kilrush Fire Station in County Clare.

The project involves construction of a new two-bay appliance facility as well as general upgrade works to revamp the existing station, which is now 25 years old.

A key feature of the construction of the new 2-bay appliance facility will be the introduction of environmentally friendly initiatives into Kilrush Fire Station, including the installation of PV panels and a rainwater harvesting tank, as well as insulation of doors, windows, roof, floor and walls to improve conservation of energy.

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A petrol interceptor will be installed in the drill yard to prevent any contaminant runoff in the yard entering watercourses, while electric vehicle charging will be catered for, allowing for future proofing of the transition of the fleet to electric vehicles.

It is intended that the minimum energy performance of nearly zero-emission building (NZEB) standard will be achieved in the new facility.

The remedial works to the existing Fire Station will also bring an environmental benefit. The construction of a small power washer shed for washing appliances will see runoff water flow into the new proposed interceptor and will use water from the rainwater harvesting tank, while items of sanitary ware will be replaced with environmentally friendly equivalents.

Accessibility is also set to be enhanced with the provision of disabled access at the main entrance to the Fire Station.

Approval has been received from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the works, which are being funded by the Department with total grant aid of €425,757 inclusive of VAT.