Cork City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionise its fire and emergency services following a comprehensive review that reveals the need for significant infrastructure investment as the city continues its rapid expansion.
The Fire Cover Review Report, conducted by Crowe Ireland alongside UK spatial data specialists Cadcorp, has identified the immediate need for a new full-time fire station in the south-west of the city, strategically positioned between Curaheen and Ballincollig. This addition would complement Cork’s existing fire stations at Anglesea Street and Ballyvolane.
The review was commissioned in response to Cork’s substantial boundary extension in 2019 and the projected population growth outlined in the National Development Plan. Using advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and extensive data analysis, the study examined everything from historic incident data to road network speeds to determine optimal fire coverage for the expanding city.
The report recommends a three-phased approach that would ultimately see four fully operational fire stations across Cork, with future expansion planned for the north-west and city centre areas. These locations will be refined through ongoing modelling as new census data and development plans become available.
Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive and Chairperson of the Fire Review Steering Group, emphasised the significance of the findings:
“This report marks an important step in the process of modernising the City Council Fire and Emergency response Service to future proof same. Its findings are designed to ensure that these critical services remain equipped to safeguard lives and adapt to evolving risks in an ever-changing landscape.”
The review utilised sophisticated analytical tools to assess emergency response capabilities, examining operational resource data, incident patterns, and specific hazards including SEVESO sites across the city. This data-driven approach ensures that fire cover recommendations align with national standards and response time targets.
David Joyce, Director of Emergency Management and Climate Action, highlighted the technical rigour behind the recommendations:
“This report represents the culmination of a significant quantum of analysis, both spatial and statistical, which has been carried out using Geographic Information System (GIS) and ICT data analytical software analysing emergency information as well as spatial information including the geometry of the road network and road speed data.”
The implementation will require substantial investment from both Cork City Council and national government, covering new station construction and refurbishment of existing facilities. A funding application for Phase 1 recommendations will be submitted to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
David Spillett, Chief Fire Officer, welcomed the strategic vision outlined in the report:
“I am particularly pleased that the report highlights the need for additional stations and infrastructure which will enhance fire service cover and our response capability across the entire city. This enhanced emergency service presence will help meet and future proof the increasing demands upon the emergency services within Cork City.”
The council has committed to ongoing stakeholder engagement as the phased development progresses, ensuring community input throughout this critical investment in public safety infrastructure.