A significant milestone in creating new headquarters for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service has been reached, as the project has moved to the design phase.
The design consultancy procurement process for the new Ennis station has been completed and the contracts with the appointed design team have been formally signed, Clare County Council has announced.
The project will see the development of a new state-of-the-art fire station headquarters at New Road, Ennis, replacing the current facility which opened in 1979.
Marking the commencement of the next stage of the project, representatives of Clare County Council, Ailtirí Architects, DCE Engineers and DRA Consulting Engineers attended a formal contract signing event.
The event signals the transition from procurement into the detailed design and statutory approval phases.
The proposed development will comprise a six-bay headquarters fire station, incorporating appliance accommodation, administration offices, operational facilities, firefighter welfare areas, training infrastructure, drill yard facilities and supporting site development works.
The new facility is being designed to provide a functional lifespan of at least 40 years, while incorporating modern sustainability measures, energy-efficient systems and future-focused communications infrastructure.
Throughout 2026, an outline design and preliminary cost plan will be completed, followed by detailed design development and statutory approval processes.
This includes the preparation and submission of the Part VIII Planning Application alongside Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate applications.
The project is expected to progress to tender for construction in 2027, with works expected to commence in late 2027, subject to necessary approvals.
Throughout the process, the local authority and the project design team will work closely with Clare County Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring the final development reflects modern operational requirements while delivering long-term value for the public.
“I welcome the funding support of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in progressing this important investment for Clare,” Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly, said.
“The new Ennis Fire Station will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that will support our firefighters and the communities they serve for decades to come.”
Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Clare County Council, Colum Frawley, added: “The new Ennis Fire Station Headquarters forms part of the ongoing investment in fire and emergency services infrastructure across County Clare.
“Together with recent investments in fleet, breathing apparatus, personal protective equipment and rescue equipment, the project represents a major commitment to ensuring that firefighters have the facilities, equipment and support necessary to provide the highest standard of emergency response to the communities they serve.”