FUNDING for the new fire station in Dunmanway has been confirmed paving the way for the project to get under construction.

The town has been approved for a new €3.2m facility as part of a major infrastructure boost.

The site of the new station will be at Brookpark, Clonakilty Road, where it will replace the current facility, which has been in operation since 1948.

The new station will improve working conditions for local firefighters who respond to more than 100 fire and traffic incidents every year.

Announcing €19.45 million to build and revamp fire stations in County Cork as part of a national programme, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity O’Sullivan TD said Dunmanway’s current fire station was old and not fit for purpose.

‘A brand new, state-of-the art facility that can properly accommodate Dunmanway’s growing team is great news for Dunmanway and the whole of West Cork as they continue their fine work,’ said Minister O’Sullivan.

According to the government, the cash injection was part of the largest ever investment in fire and emergency services, known as the Fire Services Capital Programme.

Under the programme, a total of €19.45m is made available to Cork County Council.

This includes €250,000 for refurbishment works at Crosshaven.

The council will also receive three new Class B fire appliances, each valued at around €500,000.

Another €3m new fire stations will be built in Mitchelstown, alongside a major redevelopment project at Cork City West, costing €13m.

‘The Department has been and continues to work with Cork County Council, upgrading and developing the facilities and equipment of Cork County Fire and Rescue Service,’ said Minister O’Sullivan.

‘Over the last number of years the Fire services Capital programme has fully funded new fire stations in Kanturk, Macroom and Clonakilty, which I had the pleasure to officially open earlier this year.

This level of support is continuing with the approval of funding for the construction of new fire stations at Dunmanway and Mitchelstown and refurbishment works to the Crosshaven station.’

Minister O’Sullivan said the improved facilities would help ensure the continued delivery of an effective emergency and fire safety response to the community for generations to
come.

Nationally, the funding is part of the €328.5m programme for 2026–2030.

It is aimed at  modernising the State’s fire service fleet, along with its infrastructure, training and communications.

Operationally, the goal is to equip firefighters so they can respond effectively to increasing severe weather events, wildland fires, industrial hazards and national-level emergencies that involve a coordinated response.

‘I am really glad to see this funding allocated, and this follows recent positive community infrastructure development plans in terms of the West End Yard,’ said Senator Noel O’Donovan, who also welcomed the news.