Minister O’Brien announces €20.8 million funding to equip Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services with 40 new fire appliances
- Published on: 18 October 2023
- Last updated on: 28 November 2023
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has today announced funding of €20.8 million for the provision of 40 new ‘Class B’ fire appliances, which will be allocated across the country’s 27 Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services.
‘Class B’ fire appliances are the first appliances mobilised to all incidents. They generally carry 1,800 litres of water, have a main pump built in and carry equipment including a selection of hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus equipment, hydraulic cutting equipment, chimney fire equipment and first aid equipment.
A new Joint Procurement Framework agreement with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has been established for the supply of the appliances.
Outlining the details Minister O’Brien said:
“In order to maintain a reliable frontline response fleet in optimal condition, a total of €20.8 million will be allocated for new ‘Class B’ fire appliances which will be allocated in three tranches from 2023 to 2025."
Speaking about the Fire services, Minister O’Brien said:
“I have a longstanding admiration and respect for the work of the fire services. Our firefighters are dedicated and committed people that protect lives, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations. The allocation of these 40 new appliances is a clear demonstration of the government’s support for local authority Fire and Rescue services and its commitment to strengthening emergency response capacities.”
Speaking about the new arrangement, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth, said:
“This new Joint Procurement Framework Agreement is an excellent example of collaboration between government bodies, and I am really pleased to see such a positive, practical solution from partnership working.”
This news comes following the conclusion of Fire Safety Week, which this year ran from 9-15 October.
During Fire Safety Week, community groups were asked to check in with vulnerable neighbours, family and friends in their communities. A working smoke alarm is the first line of defence should a fire break out at home and an additional €100,000 has been invested this year, through the expanded Community Smoke Alarm Scheme from local Fire Authorities, to provide specially adapted smoke alarms for more vulnerable members of our society.
Notes
The OGP plays a central role in helping the State to achieve value for money when buying goods and services and is a division of the Department Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The allocation table is available below.
Table 1 Fire Appliance Allocations
| Fire authority | Number of appliances | Region | |
| Carlow County Council | 1 | South East | |
| Cavan County Council | 2 | North East | |
| Clare County Council | 1 | Mid-West | |
| Cork City Council | 1 | South West | |
| Cork County Council | 3 | South West | |
| Donegal County Council | 2 | North West | |
| Dublin City Council | 4 | Dublin | |
| Galway County Council | 2 | West | |
| Kerry County Council | 2 | South West | |
| Kildare County Council | 1 | North East | |
| Kilkenny County Council | 1 | Midlands | |
| Laois County Council | 2 | Midlands | |
| Leitrim County Council | 1 | North West | |
| Limerick City & County Council | 1 | Mid-West | |
| Longford County Council | 1 | Midlands | |
| Louth County Council | 2 | North East | |
| Mayo County Council | 2 | West | |
| Meath County Council | 1 | North East | |
| Monaghan County Council | 1 | North East | |
| Offaly County Council | 1 | Midlands | |
| Roscommon County Council | 1 | West | |
| Sligo County Council | 1 | North West | |
| Tipperary County Council | 2 | Mid-West | |
| Waterford City & County Council | 1 | South East | |
| Westmeath County Council | 1 | Midlands | |
| Wexford County Council | 1 | South East | |
| Wicklow County Council | 1 | North East |