Ballaghaderreen Town Team installs three defibrillators to enhance public health and safety
IN a major step towards improving the health and safety of the community, Ballaghaderreen Town Team has installed three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at a total cost of €5,000.
The defibrillators have been strategically placed at the following locations to ensure quick access in the event of a cardiac emergency:
* Garda Station, New Street (Eircode F45 TR98)
* The Library, The Square (F45 K763)
* The Clinic, Pound Street (F45Y099)
The AEDs are secured in temperature controlled cabins. The access code is ‘C123’ and is displayed on the window of each cabin.
The AED units are being registered with the National Ambulance Service. Registering AEDs with this service ensures callers to the emergency helpline are directed to their nearest registered AED when their Eircode is provided, ensuring a faster response time in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
“This project has been an important investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said Patricia Madden of Ballaghaderreen Town Team. “Having these defibrillators in place means that we are better equipped to respond quickly to emergencies, potentially saving lives in the event of a cardiac arrest.”
AEDs are designed to be simple to use, with clear voice instructions guiding users through the process.
While the hope is that these devices will never be needed, having them available at key locations significantly improves the chances of survival for anyone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
The funding for this vital project was secured through the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, which supports initiatives aimed at improving public services and infrastructure.
“We’re grateful for the funding provided by the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, which has made this project possible,” said Deirdre McDermott of Ballaghaderreen Town Team. “We also encourage members of the community to take part in any available AED/CPR training sessions, where they can learn how to use defibrillators and perform CPR. The more people who are trained, the better prepared we’ll be.”