Long-awaited upgrades to the Baltinglass and Dunlavin fire stations in west Wicklow are finally moving forward, with Wicklow County Council confirming that both projects will go to tender in mid-September.
The move marks the first firm timeline in years for two stations that have been repeatedly flagged as no longer fit-for-purpose, with firefighters raising concerns about cramped accommodation, outdated facilities and limited space for modern equipment.
Councillors have additionally joined firefighters in repeatedly highlighting that the existing buildings were no longer capable of supporting a modern fire service.
This concern was formally acknowledged at national level in April 2026, when the government announced a €328.5 million Fire Services Capital Programme running from 2026 to 2030.
As part of that programme, the two fire stations for Dunlavin and Baltinglass were approved, with a combined investment of €6 million.
The works planned for Baltinglass and Dunlavin are understood to include full station refurbishments and extensions, designed to bring both buildings up to current fire service standards.
This will involve new appliance bays capable of accommodating larger vehicles, upgraded training and welfare areas, modernised communications and control spaces, improved storage for breathing apparatus and specialist equipment, and safer circulation routes within the buildings.
The council has also indicated that both stations will receive upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, enhanced energy efficiency measures and redesigned yard layouts to support faster mobilisation during emergency callouts.
Once tenders are received and evaluated, the council will appoint a contractor for each station, allowing construction to begin.
While no start date has been confirmed, councillors noted that moving to tender stage is typically the last major administrative hurdle before works commence on site.
The confirmation was welcomed at the latest meeting of the local authority, where councillors have repeatedly highlighted the deteriorating condition of both facilities.
Cllr Patsy Glennon told the meeting that the announcement would be “very welcome” to crews who have been waiting years for improvements.
He said the state of both stations had been a “great concern” to staff and residents alike, and that moving to tender stage represented meaningful progress after repeated delays.
He added that investment in the fire service was essential to ensuring safe working conditions for frontline personnel who respond to emergencies across west Wicklow.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme