Councillors in Monaghan received an update of the proposed new fire station for Ballybay town during a MD meeting earlier today.
Chief Fire Officer, Dermot Branigan told those in attendance that the new and improved station would be strategic for Monaghan as a whole.
Mr Branigan stated that the station would cater for areas such as Clones, Monaghan town, Castleblayney and Carrickmacross, as well as other parts in the West Ballybay direction.
He described the Ammonia gas leak which occurred recently at the Lough Egish industrial business park as "significant" and said it reiterated the importance of having a modern fire station in such a central location like Ballybay.
The local Chief Officer noted that the current station had limited facilities compared to those which are requested for a modern-day station.
The proposed site will be located on the Latton-Cootehill Road with access onto the R-162.
The new station will also have rear access from the Corrybrennan Park site, which will be used as a gateway route in the event of excessive flooding.
Mr Branigan added that the cost of construction would be €1.7 million, with work to be completed by 2024.
Councillor Sean Gilliland described the update as "welcomed news."
He said that since 2015, proposals for the new Ballybay station had been spoken about each month at MD meetings, but claimed any progress had "hit a wall."
While work was carried out on a number of other fire stations across Monaghan, Cllr Gilliland believes the Ballybay Fire Station had been left on the "back foot."
Cllr Gilliland emphasised the importance of Ballybay's geographical location and how it supports many communities across the county.
He said fire fighters in the current Ballybay station are "working out of a shed" and believes their safety and welfare "must be prioritised."
