Mitchelstown ‘will be waiting’ for new fire station

While calls continue from elected officials for a new fire station in Mitchelstown, the reality that ' location, location, location' is paramount, was stressed by Cork County Council officials at a meeting on Monday.

In a discussion on Charleville Fire Station, Cllr Deirdre O’Brien raised the issue of Mitchelstown Fire Station, saying that it is an old building, and a ‘long overdue’ new station ‘has to be built'.

However, Louise Duffy of Cork County Council pointed out that sometimes, it made ‘more sense’ to have the fire station in the middle of town. Fire officers need to ordinarily live and work within five minutes or two miles of the station, and in the event of a call, need to drive to the station as an ordinary citizen, without blue lights.

However, the council said that Mitchelstown remained on a priority list, though divisional manager James Fogarty tempered any excitement this news might mean, as he noted that the funding for such capital investment, for any fire station, comes from a national pot, declaring ‘we will be waiting’.

In Mitchelstown, the station’s location on James Street has two rapproaches leading to it from both directions on James Street, and two exits - up James Street or down the lane to New Square.

The Fire Service Capital Programme 2021-2025 does not make reference to Mitchelstown, but has funding aside for replacement stations in Macroom, Kanturk and Clonakilty. Upgrades were allowed for in Roscrea in Tipperary, and Cappamore in Limerick.

The issue of the location of the station notwithstanding, Cllr Deirdre O’Brien insisted that a new station was necessary for the town and its surrounds.

“Upgrade works are not a solution at this stage. Ideally, a new location outside of the town more space and accessibility but the best feasible proposal should be adopted for this essential service.”