New fire station for Graiguenamanagh
WORK has been completed on the new €1.1 million stateof-the-art fire station in Graiguenamanagh.
The new station which is located on council land on the town bypass replaces the current station in High Street which dates back to the 1950s.
Contracts for the new station were signed early last year with McStan Construction being the successful bidder. Work on the site commenced in March 2017.
The Graiguenamanagh Fire Service is a nine-crew station covers a fireground population of 7,000 with a fireground area of 251km squared. The crew primarily provides cover from Goresbridge, Skeoughvosteen, Graiguenamanagh and The Rower.
Local councillor Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has said the new station will be a huge improvement on the current facilities in place.
‘It is absolutely fantastic news that the building works have now been completed, well ahead of schedule.’
‘It has been long overdue and is badly required in the town.’
The opening of the new state of the art station brings to an end decades of campaigning by local and national public representatives across all party lines.
Cllr Cleere said: ‘For the past 20 years we have been lobbying for a new fire station and that wish has now come true. This new fire station is a welcome addition to the town.’
There is also a memorial garden of remembrance on the site to all of the former firemen who served the town with distinction and the current nine men who hold the positions.
‘ They provide a valuable service for the area and it is much appreciated by all the residents.’
Cllr Cleere also praised Kilkenny Chief Fire Office John Collins and Simon Walton of Kilkenny County Council. He also thanked contractors McStan Construction who brought the project in ahead of schedule. It is expected that an official opening will take place soon.