Clare County Council has appointed a design team and signed contracts to advance a new headquarters for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service in Ennis, clearing the way for detailed design and statutory approvals.

The scheme will deliver a state-of-the-art Fire Station Headquarters on New Road, Ennis, replacing the existing station that has been in operation since 1979.

Representatives from Clare County Council, Ailtirí Architects, DCE Engineers and DRA Consulting Engineers attended a formal contract signing to mark the move from procurement into detailed design and the statutory approval stages. The milestone is described as a key step in delivering one of the most significant capital projects undertaken by Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.

Plans envisage a modern six-bay headquarters station providing appliance bays, administration offices, operational facilities, firefighter welfare areas, training infrastructure, a drill yard and associated site works. The building is being designed for a minimum 40-year lifespan, with sustainability measures, energy-efficient systems and future-ready communications built in.

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An outline design and preliminary cost plan are scheduled for completion during 2026, to be followed by detailed design and statutory applications. These will include a Part VIII Planning Application, alongside Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate submissions. Subject to departmental approvals and funding, the project is expected to proceed to construction tender in 2027.

The current programme targets a late-2027 start on site. Throughout, the Council and the design team will work closely with Clare County Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the facility meets modern operational needs and delivers long-term value for the public.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly said, "I welcome the funding support of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in progressing this important investment for Clare. The new Ennis Fire Station will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that will support our firefighters and the communities they serve for decades to come."

Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Clare County Council, Colum Frawley said: "The new Ennis Fire Station Headquarters forms part of the ongoing investment in fire and emergency services infrastructure across County Clare. Together with recent investments in fleet, breathing apparatus, personal protective equipment and rescue equipment, the project represents a major commitment to ensuring that firefighters have the facilities, equipment and support necessary to provide the highest standard of emergency response to the communities they serve."

Director of Services for Transport, Climate, Recreation, Environment & Emergency, Dr Carmel Kirby said: "Clare County Fire and Rescue Service delivers emergency response services through seven brigades located in Ennis, Shannon, Ennistymon, Scarriff, Killaloe, Kilrush and Kilkee and currently employs approximately 100 personnel throughout County Clare. The new headquarters facility will support operational response, training, administration, fire prevention and building control functions while providing a modern working environment capable of meeting the evolving needs of the service for decades to come."