Irish Minister of State Tony Killeen has received the tender recommended by Clare County Council for the €1.2 million extension and refurbishment works at Shannon Fire Station.

Mr Killeen said: "The Department has informed me that it has now approved the tender recommended by Clare County Council under the fire services capital programme and will be in a position to contribute over €1.2 million to this project.

"The proposed improvements include the addition of three extra fire bays, developing the drill yard as well as the inclusion of new accommodation facilities for the crew."

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Commenting on the background to the announcement, Minister Killeen said: "In 2007, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government approved a proposal by Clare County Council to extend and refurbish the fire station at Shannon.

"Although the existing station has served the area well since 1979, the considerable development in all sectors, including the tourist, commercial and industrial sectors in the intervening period necessitated additional investment in the fire services in Shannon in order to deliver a modern service."

Minister Killeen said he had worked tirelessly for the approval of the project during and since his role as Minister of State, with special responsibility for the fire service.

"The proposed works will add further to the capability of the fire services in County Clare. The project will now proceed to construction stage and is expected to be completed within 10 months," he added.

Mr Killeen received notification of the approval from Michael Kitt, Minister of State for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

(PR/JM)