Site identified for new fire station in Dunmanway

Formal planning for a new fire station in Dunmanway is set to commence next year.

Cork County Council has identified a preferred location for the fire station, near the Brookpark Business Centre on the Clonakilty road.

The current Dunmanway station opened in 1948. It has one bay station and there is no prospect of expansion at the site. There is no designated parking for firefighters responding to incident alerts. The accommodation and welfare facilities also cannot appropriately accommodate mandated, increased crewing levels to a minimum of 12 firefighters.

Cork South West Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan said the development of a new fire station for Dunmanway is an important project for the area.

“This is really welcome news for Dunmanway and the wider West Cork region,” he said. “For over 75 years, Dunmanway’s firefighters have served with commitment and bravery, often from facilities that no longer meet modern needs.

“The firefighters here provide an incredible service, not just locally, but across neighbouring towns, including Macroom, Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, and Bantry,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“This project is an important investment in their safety, in their ability to respond quickly, and in the future resilience of West Cork’s emergency services.

“The new station will finally give them the facilities and space they deserve to continue their vital work safely and effectively.”

The Dunmanway Fire Brigade responds to an average of 101 incidents annually, broken down to 35 turnouts to fires, 55 turnouts to special service incidents — such as road-traffic collisions — and 10 false alarms.