Plan to build mountain rescue centre and training facility
THE Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team want to construct a two-storey mountain rescue centre and training facility at Sraghmore, Anna Carter in Roundwood.
The development is estimated to cost in the region of €800,000. An application for LEADER funding is reliant on receiving planning, while the remainder will be paid through fundraising efforts.
A planning application submitted this week to Wicklow County Council also seeks to incorporate operational facilities, indoor and outdoor training rooms, emergency vehicle storage, welfare facilities, equipment storage and drying and maintenance facilities.
Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team was formed in 1984 and started off responding to a few call-outs a year. In the present day they annually respond to over 100 call-outs each year.
The team was based at various private properties up until 2007, when they were granted a licence, through the Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána, to utilise a single-storey building attached to Roundwood Garda Station for the purposes of storing rescue equipment and secure parking of two of emergency response vehicles to the rear of the station.
In April 2015, an agreement was reached to rent a two-storey building called ‘ The Depot’ at the southern end of Roundwood village, which allowed for more space for drying equipment, therefore allowing the mountain rescue volunteers a quicker turnaround time in terms of equipment becoming operational again.
However the cost of renting these premises exceed €10,800 annually.
The charity, Cheeverstown House in Templeogue, also facilitates the parking of two mountain rescue emergency response vehicles. A recent Wicklow County Council grant also allowed for the purchase of a second-hand storage container, which is located at Glencullen Adventure Park.
The team purchased the site at Sraghmore from Coillte following a number of attempts to locate a suitable site in the Roundwood area.
According to the applications cover letter: ‘ This site is located perfectly adjacent to the hills in which we operate and will allow for the gathering together of the existing equipment, vehicles etc. whilst providing a specific training facility for the Team.’
The development will also incorporate a new wastewater treatment plant, the creation of a new entrance off an existing forestry entrance, new bored well, on-site car parking, connection to electrical services and associated works
Jonathan Shields, Chairperson of Mountain Rescue Ireland (MRI), has backed the application with a cover letter of support, in which he states: ‘MRI recognise and support the need for DWMRT to be located in a suitable, permanent base. For volunteers to access the base during a call-out and secure timely and safe egress to their operational area, the provision of a purpose-built and strategically located facility is absolutely crucial.
‘ The extensive training needs, as well as inspection and safe storage of equipment and vehicles can also be adequately achieved.’
There are also letters of support from the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team, Dr David Menzies Consultant in Emergency Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darryl Coen Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer of the National Ambulance Service and Neil Ryan of the OPW.