Plans for new Galway City fire station move a step closer

Plans for a new fire station on the east side of Galway City have moved a step closer, with the latest proposals now going out to public consultation.

Published 2nd Oct 2026, 12:50 BST Iconic Plans for a new fire station on the east side of Galway City have moved a step closer, with the latest proposals now going out to public consultation. The proposed new station would be located on a 1.3-hectare site near the Headford Road, beside the Cluain Fada estate and Bóthar na dTreabh.

Galway City Council says moving from its existing base at Fr Griffin Road would significantly improve emergency response times.

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The latest consultation documents also highlight limitations at the existing Claddagh station, where space is limited and all firefighter training currently takes place off-site.

The council describes the current training arrangement as an “ineffective practice” and says a new station would provide adequate and safe training facilities on site.

It would also provide improved vehicle and equipment storage and maintenance facilities, as well as facilities and control measures for dealing with contaminants.

Relief for residents as Letteragh road safety measures move forward Arts postgrads hit by University of Galway teaching cuts “The selected lands represent a strategic opportunity to provide a modern Fire Station to serve Galway City and its immediate hinterland,” the report states.

“It is considered that the lands would also provide increased geographical ‘reach’ within Galway City and its hinterland, from the proposed new station location at Cluain Fada, compared to the existing station at Fr. Griffin Road.”

The proposed site has frontage onto the N6 Bóthar na dTreabh dual carriageway, providing access to one of the main routes serving Galway City and its hinterland.

The council says the location would also be strategically placed in relation to the proposed Galway City Ring Road.

The site was previously selected following an assessment of 14 possible locations.

The council is now taking the next planning step needed to progress the project by seeking a variation of the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029.

Landmark building proposed for former Salthill tourist office site It wants to change the zoning of the lands from Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity to Institutional and Community use and formally designate the site for the development of a fire station.

Flood risk is also cited as one of the advantages of moving from Fr Griffin Road, with the council saying the proposed location would bring a “significant reduction in flood risk”.

Parts of the new site are, however, within Flood Zone B or identified as potentially at risk under future climate scenarios, which would restrict what could be developed on those sections.

Funding of €13 million has previously been allocated towards a new headquarters and fire station for Galway City under the Government’s Fire Services Capital Programme.

The current fire station in the Claddagh was built in 1956 and has long been described as ‘unfit for purpose’.

Members of the public can now have their say on the proposed Development Plan change through Galway City Council’s online consultation portal, with submissions accepted until Thursday, October 15.