New Waterford City fire station to begin construction in coming weeks – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that the construction of the new Waterford City Fire Station will begin in the coming weeks.   Deputy Coffey received confirmation of the development from the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, by way of a Parliamentary Question, who informed him that initial funding of €2 million has been allocated for this project.

“I have had confirmation from the City Council and from Minister Hogan that tenders have been invited for the New City fire station and following completion of all procurement processes; the City Council hopes to be in a position to commence works on site in late August or early September 2013.

“The proposals for a new fire station have been promised for a long time, with plans initially approved in 2006. However, it has taken until now to get the project started on the ground.   The existing fire station is currently located on Catherine Street in Waterford City, which is not a suitable location for an up-to-date and modern emergency service for the people of Waterford City.

“The new site on the Kilbarry Road in the City is a much more suitable location for the new state-of-the-art facilities. It should be pointed out that emergency services which are currently being delivered on a daily basis by the dedicated and heroic staff at Catherine Street will remain there until the new station is complete.

“This is a significant capital investment by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and when completed it will allow for the extension and refurbishment of Waterford City Court House, as both are currently located on the same site.   This will have a further positive impact on our City’s economy when it is complete.  

“This project is long overdue and it is unfortunate that it has taken until now, when the country is financially running a deficit of €250 million a week, to get the project off the ground. The people of Waterford have waited seven years for this new project to finally get under way.   It’s a pity that previous governments did not see this project as a priority in times of plenty. Minister Hogan should be commended for ensuring that this shovel ready project began as quickly as possible.”

ENDS