Fire brigades in three Cork towns allocated new tenders 

Cork County Council has announced the allocation of three new fire brigade vehicles for Clonakilty, Cobh, and Macroom.

The vehicles were funded by the national directorate for fire and emergency management in the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage.

Each state-of-the-art vehicle can accommodate eight crew members, has an integrated body, an 1,800l water tank, and comes fitted with a main pump capable of pumping 3000 litres per minute.

A compressed air foam system is also integrated into the main pump, representing the latest in firefighting technology, and the vehicles come equipped with a set of ladders capable of reaching up to 13.5m in height.

Vital work

The mayor of the county of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said she is “grateful for the delivery of these new appliances as they will greatly support the vital work of our fire personnel”.

“These more modern engines allow them to benefit from the most up to date safety features,” said Ms Linehan Foley. 

“Our brigades in Clonakilty, Cobh, and Macroom will be better supported in protecting their communities, as well as providing assistance to neighbouring stations when needed.”

The three new vehicles represent the first turnout appliance for each station, with Clonakilty’s new fire appliance designated the call sign “Charlie-kilo-five-six-alpha-one”, Cobh’s new fire appliance is designated “Charlie-kilo-four-two-alpha-one”, and Macroom’s new appliance is designated “Charlie-kilo-three-two-alpha-one”.

Chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said the vehicles, serving a combined population of 54,000 people, will respond to more than 500 emergency calls each year.

“Our crews in these areas cover a number of towns and villages, as well as large commercial premises, manufacturing plants, a deep-water port and the N71, N25, and N22 national routes,” said Ms Murrell.