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Speaking this afternoon, Minister Smith said: “The construction of this modern fire station is further testimony to the commitment of this Government to safeguarding communities”.

This new fire station has the facilities necessary to cater for today’s modern fire service. It will enable the local crew to meet the challenges that go with the running of such a service and support the crew to meet the almost 100 call outs each year. “

The Minister thanked his colleague the Minister for Local Services, Michael Finneran and  acknowledged that work is continuing apace on the new head quarter station in Monaghan Town.  “The commitment of this Government  to continuing investment in infrastructure and equipment, better training and the provision of improved communications infrastructure continues to bring  major improvements, even in these difficult economic times. This is evident not only in this fine new station, but also in the new stations provided at Dowra, Bailieborough and Cootehill“ he said.

The development was funded by the Department of the Environment’s  National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management which invested  €700,000 in the project. The modern station which replaces the original station in the town, was completed on schedule. The station was constructed by McCurran Construction, Derrygonnelly, Co Fermanagh

The Minister also highlighted the importance of fire prevention: “It is important to invest not only in response capacity but also in fire prevention and fire awareness.” He added that the fire safety message had particular resonance in Cavan.  He recalled the 36 people who perished in February 1943 following a fire in the basement laundry of St. Joseph's Orphanage & Industrial School in Cavan Town.

The Minister stated that most effective thing which any householder could do to protect against the threat of fire was to purchase a smoke alarm.  He referred people to the current media campaign promoting the use of smoke alarms and in particular to the  dedicated website www.fireescapeplan.ie

In conclusion, the Minister paid tribute to all involved in the fire and emergency services in County Cavan, including Chief Fire Officer, Noel Burke and Cavan County Council.