Funding for Louth Fire and Rescue will 'deliver real and lasting benefits'

Louth County Council has welcomed a major national investment in fire and emergency services announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne.

Under the Government’s Fire Services Capital Programme 2026–2030, County Louth will benefit from significant funding to improve fire stations and frontline response capability.

Under the programme, Louth County Council has been allocated:

• €6 million to develop Dundalk Training Centre
• €5 million to redevelop Dundalk Fire Station
• €3 million to build a new Dunleer Fire Station
• One new fire appliance
• One new aerial appliance

These investments will support improved emergency response times, safer working conditions and increased resilience in dealing with a wide range of incidents including fires, road traffic collisions, flooding, severe weather events and other emergencies.

Welcoming the announcement Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said:

“This investment will deliver real and lasting benefits for County Louth making it a safer place to live, work and play. I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of Louth Fire and Rescue Service, whose members work every day to protect lives and property. This funding recognises their vital role and supports their continued service to our communities.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added:

“The Louth Fire and Rescue Service Fire is operating in an increasingly complex and challenging environment, driven by climate change, severe weather events, population growth and, unfortunately, increasingly demanding emergency incidents. To respond effectively, our service must continue to modernise, adapt and innovate. This funding will help our firefighters deliver services to the Louth community.”

Dundalk Fire Station is one of the busiest full-time stations in the region. Its redevelopment will address capacity and layout challenges associated with older fire stations, facilitating modern training, contamination control measures and improved accommodation for both crews and appliances.

The new Dunleer station will further strengthen retained fire service coverage in the mid-Louth area ensuring enhanced protection for growing communities and key transport routes.

Robert Page, Chief Fire Officer for Louth County Council, emphasised the operational importance of the funding:

“This welcomed capital investment from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, is crucial for maintaining a modern fire and rescue service capable of meeting evolving risks into the future. Upgraded stations and new appliances support firefighter safety, enhance training capacity and allow us to deliver a more effective and efficient service when the community needs us most.

Ultimately, this funding will result in safer outcomes for the people of Louth whether we are responding to a domestic fire, road traffic collision or increasingly severe weather-related incidents.”

Further updates on individual projects will be provided as design and procurement stages advance.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.