It's hoped that progress will be made on a new fire station for Kilmacthomas next year.
It's one of 12 new stations included in the Fire Service Capital Programme for 2021 to 2025.
Two new fire tenders for Waterford are also included in the €61 million programme.
Waterford Senator John Cummins said the new building will be a welcome addition to the mid-county.
“I understand that a new fire station for Kilmacthomas has been mooted for quite some time and it was originally part of the previous capital plan but didn’t progress for a number of reasons but its inclusion in the capital plan list for 2021 is both welcome and timely given the massive rejuvenation that Kilmacthomas has undergone with the Waterford Greenway in recent years.
"Kilmacthomas is a fantastic town with so much going for it and it is important that services like the Fire Service keep a pace with developments in the area”.
He added, “It is important now that Waterford City & County Council progresses this project as a matter of urgency so that it can commence construction during 2021”.
Senator Cummins said the work Waterford fire crews do is second to none.
“It is vitally important that our Fire personnel have the best equipment at their disposal and maintaining a reliable fleet in optimal condition is a huge part of that. Under the first tranche, 35 new appliances are to be provided nationally at an approximate cost of almost €16 million and Waterford is to get two of these. I will be pushing to ensure Waterford receives further fire appliances in the second tranche of €12 million which will be spent in 2024-2025 because the work that the Waterford fire service does twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred and sixty-five days of the year is second to none."
Labour Cllr. Ger Barron and Local Area Rep Michael Murphy also welcomed the announcement. The program will see a new fire station for Kilmacthomas.
They said that the fire service in Kilmacthomas has been and continues to be serviced by incredibly valued members of the local community. "Their dedication to responding in an emergency capacity to those in need does not go unnoticed' said both Labour reps.
Cllr Barron outlined that, "Deputy Alan Kelly had instigated a five-year plan on fire services funding when he was Minister for Environment and Local Government which had originally been designated funding for 2019.
"When I was elected in 2019 to the council I asked Deputy Kelly to ask a parliamentary question regarding an update for Kilmacthomas Fire Services funding and the response at this point was positive. It is excellent to hear that this work has come to fruition and delivery for Kilmacthomas is on the way. The proximity to the N25 means that the Kilmacthomas fire station team responds to a large quantity of road traffic accidents in which their rapid response is invaluable."
Labour Local Area Rep for the Comeragh Area Michael Murphy went on to say that the announcement is incredibly positive and long overdue for the community of Kilmacthomas and the surrounding areas.
"This announcement is a culmination of Labour Party funding planning and subsequent lobbying of the government to see it's delivery. Members of the fire service in Kilmacthomas risk their lives for the safety of others and these new facilities will hopefully go towards acknowledging their efforts as well as improving safety and service for the members and those who require their assistance."
Cllr Barron said he will be continuing to support this development and looks forward to giving his input into how the land where the current station is situated can be best put to use to further benefit the village of Kilmacthomas where car parking continues to be a challenge as the village continues to thrive.
