Major distinction for Mayo-based fire emergency communications centre

STAFF at the West Region Communications Centre (WRCC), the fire service’s emergency call handling centre run by Mayo County Council for Connacht and Donegal, are celebrating after achieving certification to ISO 9001, a key international business management standard.

Used by over 1.5 million organisations in 170 countries, ISO 9001 for quality management systems is the world’s most popular business standard.

It helps companies demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Based in Castlebar, the WRCC’s 19 staff provide a single, round-the-clock emergency service call handling centre for members of the public, as well as a computer-aided mobilisation and communications centre for the participating emergency services.

Representatives from the organisation were on hand to receive its ISO 9001 certificate at a special presentation ceremony at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) offices in Dublin.

“The West Region Communications Centre has always followed procedures and processes for our operation but by achieving certification to an internationally recognised standard, it reinforces that the service we provide is continually improved to meet and exceed the high expectations of our customers,” said David Fahy, Senior Emergency Control Operator and Quality Manager at WRCC.

All of the organisations who achieved certification were independently audited by NSAI inspectors in order to ensure they complied with the standards.

They join an elite group of over 3,000 organisations who are currently NSAI-certified in a variety of areas such as Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and Energy Management.

The 25 organisations honoured at the ceremony have offices or facilities in 15 different counties and were presented with their certificates by the Irish Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen.

“Achieving certification to the highest level is no easy feat, especially for SMEs, given the level of commitment needed and time required to do so,” said Minister Breen.

“But the benefits are undoubtedly worth it. Standards improve efficiency, helping organisations to conserve money, manpower, time, facilities, and natural resources. They also help in breaking down trade barriers and open doors to new markets,” he added.