This new station at Loughgall Road close to the City centre will optimise the emergency response cover in the area as well as enhancing community fire safety work.
Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “The Firefighters who serve Armagh City and the surrounding areas do a tremendous job in responding to a wide range of emergency incidents from fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist rescue calls. They are a vital part of the community.
“The new building in Armagh will provide these dedicated staff with a truly modern and integrated Fire Station and Community Fire Safety Centre.”
The Minister added: “As part of the final Executive budget announced earlier this year, the Fire and Rescue Service in Northern Ireland is to benefit from a significant £50million investment in fire appliances, rapid response vehicles, fire stations and up-to-date IT systems, and this new station in Armagh is just one of the many projects being taken forward in that infrastructure development programme.”
Work began on the new state-of-the-art station in February 2008 and it is anticipated the building will be complete and the station operational in early 2009.
William Gillespie, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board said: “We are delighted the construction of the new Fire Station in Armagh is well under way and making good progress.
“It will comfortably accommodate Firefighters and all their equipment, plus Fire Appliances and will include a large drill yard for training purposes.
“The Community Fire Safety Centre will be used to roll out our school and youth programmes on fire safety, and we look forward to welcoming local people into the Station as we envisage this building to be very much part of the community."
Mr Gillespie added: “I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Firefighters in Armagh for their dedication and professionalism in helping protect the local community and look forward to welcoming them to their new Fire Station and Community Fire Safety Centre in early 2009.”
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