Ireland West Airport welcomed Minister for Transport and Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, to the airport to officially open the new Fire Training Centre at Ireland West Airport.
The new facility marks a major investment in airport safety, emergency preparedness and staff training. It will provide the airport’s fire service team with a dedicated, modern training environment to support the highest standards in aircraft rescue and firefighting operations.
The Fire Training Centre will allow airport fire crews to carry out practical training on site, helping to strengthen response capability, improve operational readiness and support ongoing regulatory and safety requirements.
Speaking at the official opening of the new Fire Training Centre, Minister Darragh O’Brien said he was delighted to officially open this state-of-the-art Aerodrome Fire Training Centre here at Ireland West Airport.
“Delivered with the support of over €2.3 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional Airports Programme, this training facility is a testament to this Government’s continued commitment to supporting regional airports. By equipping the dedicated crew of firefighting staff with modern training infrastructure, we are not only ensuring EU Regulatory compliance but also safeguarding the vital regional connectivity that underpins the economic heartbeat of the West of Ireland”.
Welcoming Minister O Brien to the airport, Ireland West Airport Managing Director, Joe Gilmore, said safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this facility represents a significant investment in our people, our operations and the future development of the airport. Our airport fire service team plays a critical role in maintaining the highest safety standards. This new centre will ensure they have access to the training facilities they need to continue delivering a first-class emergency response capability for the airport and the wider region. I’d like to thank the Minister and the Department of Transport for their funding support for the new Fire Training Centre and for their continued support and investment in the airport”.
The opening of the Fire Training Centre is part of the airport’s ongoing investment programme to enhance facilities, support operational excellence and prepare for future growth.
