Multi-million funding boost confirmed for Carlow fire station upgrade in national plan
€2.8m upgrade confirmed for Carlow as record investment aims to future-proof services
Carlow is set to benefit from a multi-million euro boost for its fire services, with funding confirmed for the upgrade of Bagenalstown Fire Station as part of a landmark national investment.
The funding forms part of the Government's €328.5 million Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030) - the largest ever investment in fire and emergency services in the history of the State.
Under the plan, €2.8 million has been allocated for the refurbishment and upgrade of Bagenalstown Fire Station, as part of a wider €12.8 million package for Carlow and Kilkenny.
Announcing the programme, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: "This programme represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Ireland.
"It ensures our fire services across the country will have a modern fleet, upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks."
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The programme sets out a plan to modernise Ireland's fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.
Over the next five years, €178.6 million will be invested in building or refurbishing 39 fire stations across the country, while €86.9 million will go towards upgrading the national fire fleet, including 40 new fire appliances.
Welcoming the local funding, Carlow-Kilkenny TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere said the investment would make "a real difference on the ground."
"This is a hugely significant investment for Carlow and Kilkenny and will make a real difference on the ground.
"These projects will ensure our firefighters have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities as they continue their vital work protecting lives, homes and businesses across our community."
Deputy Cleere added that the funding comes at a crucial time.
"This investment is about future-proofing our fire services and ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of a changing Ireland.
"With more severe weather events, growing populations and increasingly complex emergencies, this funding comes at the right time."