Local Councillors Have Called For Investment In Monasterevin Fire Station

Thursday, 12 September 2024 12:36

By Hannah Kelly

It follows the recent news that Kildare County Council have signed a contract for a new fire station in Maynooth

Local councillors have called for investment in Monasterevin's fire station.

It follows the recent news that Kildare County Council signed a contract for a new fire station in Maynooth.

Sinn Féín councillor for the Kildare-Newbridge MD, Shonagh Ní Raghallaigh, sent out an email welcoming the new fire station in Maynooth, but has called for urgent progress on the Monasterevin facility.

She expressed concern about the ongoing delays in providing a new fire station for the area, and emphasised the existing station is outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

This is said to pose significant challenges for fire crews and the wider community.

Cllr Ní Raghallaigh has called on Kildare County Council and relevant authorities to prioritise the provision of a new fire station in Monasterevin as a matter of urgency, saying "While I am pleased to see the investment in Maynooth, we cannot allow other areas to be left behind.

"Monasterevin has been waiting far too long for this necessary upgrade. I urge the Council to commit to swift action so that our firefighters can continue to do their vital work in safe, modern surroundings".

Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today, Fine Gael Councillor for the Kildare-Newbridge MD reiterated this call made by Cllr Ní Raghallaigh.

Cllr Duffy said the current site of Monasterevin's fire station is on a constrained site as it is next to the banks of the River Barrow, and would probably not have been built in that location with the current planning regulations.

Therefore, Monasterevin's fire station would have to be moved to a different location, something that Cllr Duffy notes isn't a straightforward procedure due to multiple factors, such as location and being in an ambulance zone.