Cork County Council’s Fire Service has taken delivery of three new fire brigade appliances to serve the communities of Clonakilty, Macroom and Cobh.

The new vehicles were funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Each state-of-the-art fire engine can accommodate eight crew, has an integrated body, an 1,800-litre water tank and comes fitted with a main pump capable of pumping 3,000 litres of water per minute.

A Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) is also integrated into the main pump representing the latest in firefighting technology.

The appliances come equipped with a set of ladders capable of reaching up to 13.5m in height.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed these new additions to the county’s Fire Service fleet.

‘I am grateful for the delivery of these new appliances as they will greatly support the vital work of our fire personnel,’ she said.

‘These more modern engines allow them to benefit from the most up to date safety features. Our brigades in Clonakilty, Cobh and Macroom will be better supported in protecting their communities, as well as providing assistance to neighbouring stations when needed.’

Clonakilty’s new fire appliance is designated the call sign ‘Charlie-Kilo-Five-Six-Alpha-One’ (CK56A1) and will be the first turnout appliance in the station.

The station is also equipped with a second fire brigade appliance and serves a population of approximately 18,000 people.

Macroom’s new appliance is designated the call sign ‘Charlie-Kilo-Three-Two-Alpha-One’ (CK32A1) and will be the first turn out appliance for the station.

The station is also equipped with a second fire brigade appliance and a 4WD vehicle serves a population of approximately 20,000 people.

Cobh’s new fire appliance is designated the call sign ‘Charlie-Kilo-Four-Two-Alpha-One’ (CK42A1), will be the first turn out appliance for the station.

The station is also equipped with a second fire brigade appliance and serves a population of approximately 16,000 people.

Council chief executive Moira Murrell commented on the importance of expanding and improving the Fire Service fleet across West Cork.

‘Cork County Council’s Fire Stations in Clonakilty, Cobh and Macroom serve a combined population of 54,000 people and respond to over 500 emergency calls each year,’ she revealed.

‘Our crews in these areas cover a number of towns and villages, as well as large commercial premises, manufacturing plants, a deep-water port and the N71, N25 and N22 national routes. These three new appliances will support the work of our fire personnel, ensuring they are well equipped to respond to emergencies with the latest fire-fighting technology.’