Monaghan County Council is pleased to announce a significant capital investment of almost €9 million in Fire and Civil Protection infrastructure across the county. This transformative programme (2026-2030) will strengthen emergency response capabilities, enhance firefighter safety, and establish Monaghan as a leader in training and operational readiness at both regional and national levels.
The investment includes the development of a new Learning and Development Campus at Annahagh, Monaghan valued at approximately €7.5 million. This state-of-the-art facility will feature a multifunctional training and administrative building, a purpose-built live-fire training rig, and dedicated storage for High-Volume Pump equipment to support flood response operations. The campus is being developed in alignment with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) as part of a broader national approach to strengthening fire service capability and training standards.
In addition, Carrickmacross Fire Station will benefit from an €850,000 upgrade, including additional facilities to protect fleet and equipment, alongside energy efficiency improvements. A further investment of approximately €600,000 will deliver a new fire appliance for Castleblayney, enhancing operational capability and modernising the fleet, with delivery expected in Q4 2027.
This combined investment will establish a regional and national-standard training campus, strengthen flood response capability through enhanced High-Volume Pump infrastructure, modernise fleet and station facilities and improve operational readiness and firefighter safety.
Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council stated:
“This level of investment demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting communities across Monaghan. The development of a modern training campus, alongside critical upgrades to infrastructure and fleet, ensures our Fire and Civil Protection Service is equipped to meet both current and future challenges.”
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, added:
“This is a landmark investment for the county. It reflects the vital role our firefighters play every day and ensures they have the facilities, equipment, and training required to carry out their duties safely and effectively. It is an investment not only in infrastructure, but in the safety and resilience of our communities.”
Chief Fire Officer, Dermott Brannigan commented:
“The new Learning and Development Campus will represent a significant advancement in how we deliver training and build operational preparedness. It will enable us to provide high-quality, accredited programmes while also enhancing practical, real-world training through advanced facilities such as the live-fire rig. Combined with improvements to our stations and fleet, and supported by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, this investment significantly strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies and protect the public.”
Monaghan County Council acknowledges the ongoing dedication and professionalism of its Fire and Civil Protection personnel and looks forward to the successful delivery of these projects over the coming years.