West Wicklow To Receive Major Fire Service Investment Under National Capital Programme

Wicklow to benefit from national investment with two new stations and upgraded equipment to boost emergency response times

Wicklow is set to benefit from a significant boost to its fire and emergency services, with funding announced under the Government’s new €328.5m Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030) .

As part of the programme, two new fire stations will be constructed in Dunlavin and Baltinglass, with a combined investment of €6 million.

In addition, Wicklow County Council will receive two new Class B fire appliances, strengthening the front line response capability across the Garden County.

Commenting on the announcement, Tánaiste, Minister for Finance and local TD Simon Harris hailed the news as a significant boost for west Wicklow:

“I am delighted to announce this major investment for County Wicklow and for the communities in West Wicklow in particular. Our fire services do incredible work every day and they deserve modern facilities and equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Minister Harris admitted that the improvements come not before time for the area:

“The stations in Dunlavin and Baltinglass have needed upgrading for some time. These two brand-new stations will provide better facilities for firefighters and a higher level of service for the public.

He added that facilitating new critical infrastructure and equipment can only help to reassure people living in the area and those intending to:

“On top of that, two new fire appliances will ensure our fleet is up to date and ready to respond to increasing demands, whether that’s severe weather, wildland fires, or the pressures of a growing population. This investment is about protecting lives, homes, and businesses, and supporting the dedication of Wicklow’s firefighters.”

The national Fire Services Capital Programme, developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, will see 39 fire stations built or refurbished, 40 new fire appliances allocated, and major investment in training, equipment, and communications systems over the next five years.

This programme aims to enhance Ireland’s emergency response infrastructure, ensuring communities across the country are better protected.

Minister James Browne announced the State’s largest ever investment in fire and emergency services in the landmark €328.5million Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030). 

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.

Minister Browne emphasised:           

“This programme represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Ireland. It ensures our fire services across the country will have a modern fleet, upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks. 

“This investment in the fire service will reinforce public safety in our communities and ensure that our critical infrastructure and essential services are protected. Having fire services that are recognised as dependable, well trained and well equipped is crucial to the communities they serve and this injection of significant funding will future proof the service they provide.”