Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has called on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently progress the long-delayed Rathdowney Fire Station project, highlighting that the site was purchased as far back as 2009 and remains undeveloped.
Speaking after raising the issue as a Commencement Matter in the Seanad, Senator McCormack said: “It is completely unacceptable that sixteen years after the site was bought, the people of Rathdowney are still waiting for a new fire station.
“The current building was constructed in 1954 and is no longer fit for purpose.
“It was built for a single jeep and a small mobile pump, yet today it’s expected to house three vehicles, including two large fire tenders.
“Crews struggle to manoeuvre engines in and out of a narrow street, and that delays response times when every second counts.”
Senator McCormack said the conditions for firefighters inside the station are equally unacceptable.
She said: “The changing area is barely three metres square, there is only one shower for the entire crew, and there is no parking available for firefighters.
“In this day and age, it is simply not acceptable that women firefighters do not have their own private space to change or shower. That is a matter of basic dignity, equality and safety.”
Currently 4 female fire officers and this is totally unacceptable to leave them with no privacy when getting changed in emergency situations where every minute counts to save lives.
She added that Laois County Council has made the Rathdowney station its number-one fire services capital priority, and have submitted an application to the Department for approval.
She said: “This project is shovel-ready. The site is there, the plans exist, and the community is waiting.
“The Minister must now move beyond reviews and reports and give the green light for construction to begin.
“Rathdowney’s firefighters serve South Laois and respond to incidents across parts of Tipperary, Offaly and Kilkenny. They protect our communities — it’s time we deliver the facilities they deserve.”
Senator McCormack confirmed that she will be seeking a clear timeline and commitment from the Department to ensure Rathdowney Fire Station is included in the 2026–2030 Fire Services Capital Programme and fast-tracked to delivery.
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