New fire station for Ballyhaunis and two new fire appliances for Mayo - Minister
Minister Dara Calleary has announced that funding has been secured for a new fire station in Ballyhaunis as well as an additional two new fire appliances for the county.
He outlined: "I am delighted that my cabinet colleague James Browne has sanctioned €3 million in the 2026 Fire Services Capital programme to Mayo County Council to build a new fire station in Ballyhaunis as well as sanctioning two new fire appliances for the county.
"Mayo County Council will now begin the process to build a new state of the art station in the town. This is an vital infrastructure investment for Ballyhaunis and east Mayo.
"I commend the fire crew in Ballyhaunis, Mayo Chief Fire officer Tony Shevlin and all at the Mayo Fire Services. They do exceptional work across the county.
"I will continue to work with Minister Browne to finalise the construction and delivery of the new station and further investments for Mayo Fire Services."
A suitable site is currently being sought within a three-kilometre radius of the town, with consultation now underway and procurement imminent, Ballyhaunis Councillor Alma Gallagher confirmed.
Welcoming the funding, she commented: “This is a hugely positive step forward for Ballyhaunis and a strong commitment to community safety for years to come.
“Our local firefighters provide an invaluable service to our community and the wider surrounding area, and they deserve the very best facilities to support their vital work.
“This investment will ensure modern infrastructure, improved operational capacity, and adequate parking and access for emergency response.
Thank you to our local firefighters for their continued dedication and service, and to Tony Shevlin, Mayo Chief Fire Officer, for his leadership and ongoing support in delivering this important project.”
Mayo Deputy Keira Keogh welcomes the announcement of the State’s largest ever investment in fire and emergency services in the landmark €328.5 million Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030).
“Fire services are the last line of defence in protecting lives, homes and businesses from a myriad of hazards. This investment ensures they have the modern tools, facilities and systems required to meet that responsibility,” said Deputy Keogh.
“I have seen the local fire service in action only last year when a wildfire got out of hand in Cregganbaun, just outside Louisburgh.”
The programme, developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), sets out a comprehensive plan to modernise Ireland’s fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.
The new programme responds directly to the evolving nature of fire service response and the need to protect critical national infrastructure.
“The Fire Service are also part of the first responders in times of traffic accidents and play a vital role in the coordinated emergency response of road safety.
"Without up-to-date equipment and vehicles these responders cannot carry out their work.
“I particularly welcome the state allocation of €3 million to Ballyhaunis where more training, frontline and specialist response equipment and communication technology can be delivered.
“I have been speaking with Station Officer, Enda Caulfield, in Ballyhaunis who is delighted with the news, which was a long time coming but badly needed.
“More support will be needed to get the project off the ground, but the allocation of funding is a huge step forward."