Fire Service

The seven fire brigades in Kilkenny Fire Service were mobilized over 1000 times in 2004. The average time to turn out a fire engine from the time the call was received was 5.90 minutes. The fire service was in attendance at 41.24% of emergencies within 10 minutes of being called, 47.44% within 20 minutes and 11.94 in over 20 minutes.

There were two major fires in the county in 2004. In February there was a major fire in Bergin's Meat Plant near Urlingford which was fought by 4 Kilkenny brigades and Thurles fire brigade. In October there was a major fire in a carpet warehouse at the Hebron Industrial Estate in Kilkenny fought by 4 Kilkenny brigades.

 

Major Fire in Hebron Industrial Estate

For twelve hours over 20 firefighters from Kilkenny City, Freshford and Callan fought the blaze (4 pumping appliances and 1no HP and 1no Water Tanker) using breathing apparatus and 5 jets. Nearby buildings and adjoining oil tanks were protected from the fire by the tremendous work of the fire-fighters.

 

 

Training

The on-going weekly training for the firefighters continued as normal.

In addition the following block training courses were organized:

• Breathing Apparatus Refresher Course
• General Firemanship Refresher Course - water safety and awareness given by Irish Water Safety Organisation.

 

A number of officers (junior and senior) attended specialized courses run by the Fire Services' Council.

A.C.F.O. John Collins was awarded an MBAin Business Administration by D.C.U.

The new fire station in Callan was officially opened by the Minister, Martin Cullen T.D in March, 2004. Approval was given by the DOEHLG to go to tender for a new fire station in Freshford. Approval was also given for the purchase of a new Hydraulic Platform, height 23 metres, to be based in Kilkenny City. Tender documents have been received and a recommendation made to the DOEHLG.

 

Minister Cullen unveiling the commemorative plaque for the opening of Callan Fire Station.

(Left to Right) Cllr Tom Maher, Fr. Willie Dalton, John McGuinness T.D., Liam Aylward T.D.
Junior Minister Martin Cullen T.D. Minister, Bobby Aylward (Chairman of County Council), Michael Malone (County Manager),
Tom Gunning (Director Of Services), Ciaran Cormican (Chief Fire Officer)

 

Minister Cullen being introduced to Callan Fire Brigade Guard of Honour

 

 

Fire Safety

The fire service was heavily involved in a number of major events during the year. These were as follows: James Taylor concert; Piltown Show; Kilkenny Arts Week; American Express Golf at Mount Juliet

A total of 238 Fire Safety Certificates were processed and various premises inspected under different legislation.

A new A.F.O. was appointed with duties mainly in fire safety.

At Christmas Kilkenny F.S. and S.E.H.B. Ambulance Service raised over 8,000 Euros for two local charities and during the year the Fire Service raised over 13,000 Euros for Rehab.

 

Kilkenny Civil Defence

2004 Statistics

Registered Unit Strenght	75
Total Cost to Local Authority per Volunteer	0.85 euro/per day
Total Community Support Events	19
Total Community Support Man Days by volunteers	120
Total No. of Training nights	60
Total Number of Personnel attending Training nights	590
Total No. of Training Exercises	15
Total Training Exercise Man-days by volunteers	200
Total Operational Emergency Call-outs	3

 

Main Events of 2004

• Fifth Annual Charity Walk on Brandonhill for 40 Personnel.
• Three members attended Module 1 Leadership in Dungarvan.
• Fifteen Members attend National Exercise in Kerry.
• Two Boats and crews attend Helvick Head Annual Sponsored swim.
• Grennan College Transition year overnight Exercise in Blackstairs.
• Members attend Regional Pump-drill in Waterford City.
• Two Boat Crews attend National Boat - Exercise in Wexford.
• Emergency call-out by Gardai to River tradegy in St. Mullins.
• Emergency call-out by Local Authority to Smithwicks Brewery.
• Emergency Response to flooding in Nore Valley Area.
• Liasion Training between Ballyragget and Durrow centres.
• Continued Community Support by Ambulance Corps maintained.

The implementation of First phase of Civil Defence Development Plan saw the purchase of new Dry-suits. 30 h.p. Honda outboard engine, A.F.S. equipment and rescue trailers. This equipment will greatly increase the operational effectiveness of Kilkenny Civil Defence.

A Dennis Fire-engine was provided by Kerry Fire Service and is now fully equipped and joint training is in progress with Laois Civil Defence.

 

 

Water Safety

Following the A.G.M. of Kilkenny Water Safety Committee in March it was full steam ahead with a float in the St. Patrick's Day parade. This has proven to be a very effective way to get good publicity for safety awareness. The float also did very well winning first prize in the Community Group section.

Training for lifeguards was under way form January to May. A total of 45 pool lifeguards qualified and a presentation of certificates by Chairman of Kilkenny Co. Co., Bobby Alyward was held in County Hall, to which the new lifeguards and their parents were invited. Nine of these lifeguards continued their training and were employed by Kilkenny Co. Co. on the rivers in Kilkenny during the summer. Lifeguards were also employed to work during the American Express Golf Tournament in Mount Juliet.

Swimming and lifesaving classes took place during winter and summer. In the summer period the venues were the rivers in Thomastown and Graiguemanagh. With a group from the city having lessons in James Stephen's Swimming Pool. The pool was also the venue for the winter classes where as many as 150 teenagers and adults have lessons every Monday night.

Competitors have showing their skill over the years at national level and this year was no exception with the junior team retaining first place. Mayor Martin Brett held a civic reception in the Mayor's parlor, a night they will always remember with pride. Senior teams were also invited after some great individual performances.

After the local elections new councillors were appointed to the Area Committee. They were Cllr. Pat O'Neill, Cllr. Ann Phelan, Cllr. William Ireland, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness and Cllr. Paul Cuddihy. Staying on the committee were Cllr. Tommy Brennan and Cllr. John Coonan, Tommy having been on the committee for over 30 years.

Of the many projects taken on by Water Safety one of the most important to the community was the continued assessment of the river Nore works. Eddie Hoyne was the driving force but he had the backing of all the committee members including Kilkenny Co. Co. Water Safety Office Kim Kinsella and the Council Members on the committee. On completion of the works a full risk assessment will be carried out on the area of the Nore and Breagagh by Irish Water Safety.