Contracts signed for huge new firefighter training centre in Offaly

Finna Construction Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor for the delivery of a new Regional Fire Services Training Centre which is to be located adjacent to the existing fire station in Tullamore.

The €4.4m project is being funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, through the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management.

The development comprises of the expansion of the drill training ground into the adjoining green field site, the provision of a
training support block which includes a lecture room, syndicate training rooms, briefing room, canteen and changing facilities. Funding also includes for the expansion of the existing fire station to accommodate a vehicle maintenance workshop.

Construction is due to commence towards the end of the year with the contractor carrying out site preliminary works beforehand.

Chief Fire Officer Eoin O’Ceilleachair says, “This new Regional Fire Services Training Centre allows for an expansion to the range of course types to be delivered, not only to Offaly County Council Fire & Rescue Service, but also to firefighters and fire officers from across the county. This expansion supports our current training centre that has been in use since 2009 and will provide increased opportunities, not only for our own personnel to delivery training at a regional and national level, but also to the town’s accommodation providers, restaurants and other businesses who interact
with the centre.”

“Tullamore was identified as an ideal location for this new Regional Fire Service Training Centre based on the towns central location that is easily accessible by both road and rail links. The provision of funding to support this project is a testament to the hard work, dedication and determination of Offaly County Council and the Offaly Fire & Rescue Service staff” says
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.

“I wish the Fire Service the very best with this project”.

MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: Front (L to R): Michael Fleming (Tobin Consulting Engineers), Eoin O’Ceilleachair (Chief Fire Officer),
Vincent Lydon (Finna Construction Ltd.), Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick (Offaly County Council), Anna Marie
Delaney (Chief Executive, Offaly County Council), Shay McGowan (Kenny Lyons & Associates)
Back (L to R): Clive Duke (SACFO), Joseph Breslin (Kenny Lyons & Associates), Andrew Flanagan
(SACFO)