A recent report on the substandard conditions of Bagenalstown Fire Station has led to proposals for the station to become a response fire station for motorway incidents.
A meeting of Carlow County Council heard that a previously agreed capital grant of €450,000 may not cover the costs to refurbish or redevelop the fire station, which is located on Church road in Bagenalstown.
During the ‘Emergency Services Progress Report’ at the council meeting, Director of Services Dan McInerney said that Carlow County Council had sought funding for a new fire station for Bagenalstown, but without success. The council is now looking at a different tact, he said, and is in discussions with the Department. He told the members that Bagenalstown is strategically located to the M9 motorway and he believes it is equipped to become a ‘response station’ for motorway incidents.
Mr. McInerney also said it had to be considered whether Bagenalstown fire service would continue in its current premises or relocate to a new building and location.
A report highlighted a number of structural deficiencies with the building and its foundations.
Councillors from the Muine Bheag Municipal District praised the firefighters for the work they do and discussed the condition in which firefighters and officers at the station have to work in during drill training or after a call-out. Cllr Andy Gladney said “I wonder do the public realise the work they do”.
Bagenalstown / Muine Bheag Fire Station: Courtesy Fire-Ireland.com
