Plans for a new Galway city fire station take a step forward
An assessment of the benefits and financial viability of a new fire station in the city is underway, after plans to deliver the long-awaited facility took another step forward in recent weeks.
This follows a meeting between officials from Galway City and County Councils and the Department of Local Government at which it was agreed to proceed with a ‘capital appraisal’ of the project.
Responding to queries from the Galway City Tribune, a spokesperson for the City Council confirmed that this appraisal was now underway and would be completed “in the coming months” for submission to the Department for its review.
“The output from the meeting was very positive and it was agreed to progress the plans for a new fire station, starting with preparation of the high-level capital appraisal assessment with a view to having it submitted in the coming months,” said the spokesperson.
They said a final decision was yet to be taken on the location of the new station, which would replace the outdated facility in the Claddagh from which the fire service currently operates.
“Following acceptance of the capital appraisal, potential sites will need to be fully assessed for suitability,” the spokesperson added.
At the July meeting of Galway City Council, Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said they were working closely with the County Council — which is the lead authority on fire services for the city and county — to progress a much-needed new fire station.
“We are completing a design process on a site in Galway City,” said Mr Cleary, adding that he would “expect that the Department will be favourably disposed”.
Responding to questions from Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind) at the meeting, Mr Cleary confirmed that a City Council-owned site was among those under consideration, and, referring to the Department, he said: “It is my understanding we are pushing an open door.”
The current fire station in the Claddagh was built in 1956 and has long been described as ‘unfit for purpose’.
It is a base for 36 fire fighters and headquarters for 118 staff across County Galway.
Mr Cleary said the County Council had been ‘very supportive’ of the ongoing process to find a new base for the service and committed to briefing councillors on the specifics of the site selection in the autumn.
There would be significant public consultation as the plans progressed, he added, which he said was particularly important when it came to the location of ‘blue-light services’.
Pictured: Galway Fire Station: Built in 1956.