McGimpsey invests £1.6million in new Mobile Data System for the Fire Service

Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey today launched the new Mobile Data System (MDS) for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) costing £1.6million.

The new Mobile Data System is an integrated communications and information resource which will allow fire crews access to valuable operational information as they tackle fires and deal with car accidents.

Speaking at the launch of the new technology at Central Fire Station in Belfast, the Minister said: "Between June and September all frontline fire appliances will be equipped with new mobile data touch screens which will enable firefighters to access operational information en route to or at the scene of an incident

"The introduction of this new Mobile Data System represents an investment of £1.6million which will ensure that the Fire and Rescue Service has the most up to date equipment to carry out their valuable life-saving work.

"Fire crews will be able to access information such as building plans, details of hazardous materials, locations of fire hydrants and critical risk information. Having this type of information available within the vehicle will save valuable time and enhance both community and firefighter safety."

Mr McGimpsey continued: "The new Mobile Data System will improve NIFRS operational response to many incidents including fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist rescues."

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Louis Jones said: "The Mobile Data System was developed to be integrated into the NIFRS Digital Radio Network and Regional Control Centre Mobilising Systems. The capital investment in these three systems has enabled NIFRS to develop an integrated system that improves the speed of information between fire crews on the fire appliances and personnel in the Regional Control Centre”

Note to editors:

1. The new MDS is an integrated communications and information resource tailored to meet the needs of NIFRS.

2. Through mobile data technology a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) will be installed in each frontline appliance.

3. At the touch of a computer screen fire crews will be able to access valuable operational information such as tactical plans, information about hazardous materials, building plans, hydrant locations and critical risk information while en route to or at an incident.

4.This will be a significant improvement on the current paper based system.

5. This investment is in addition to the £1.5million invested in the TETRA Digital Radio System which was completed in 2007 and the £700,000 invested in the upgrade of the Command & Control Mobilising System ProCAD.

6. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0505. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.