Cork must build two new fire stations to meet growing city demands, major report finds
Cork needs to develop two new fully operational fire stations, including one in the southwest, to bring the total to four full-time stations required to provide fire cover for the expanding city over the next 15 years, a major new report has recommended.
The city currently has two full-time fire stations – one on Anglesea Street and one in Ballyvolane.
Following the city boundary extension in 2019, the physical size of the city grew fivefold, and its population increased from 125,000 to 210,000. The population is forecast to grow to 350,000 by 2040.
In the wake of the boundary extension, a strategic review of the Cork City Fire and Building Control Department was undertaken, prompting Cork City Council to commission a major fire cover review.
It was carried out by Crowe Ireland, supported by UK-based spatial data and consultancy specialists Cadcorp.
Cadcorp used a modelling tool that incorporates data such as population growth, historic incidents, emergency attendances, and travel times to map future risks.
The Fire Cover Review Report, published today, highlights the need for modernisation and strategic investment in the city's fire services infrastructure. Among its key recommendations are:
The need for a new full-time fire station in the southwest of the city, to be located between Curraheen and Ballincollig, in addition to the existing stations at Anglesea Street and Ballyvolane.
The recommendation for further expansion of the fire service through a three-phase approach, ultimately developing four fully operational stations across the city.
The report states that the best location for the fourth station — likely in the city's northwest — will be identified through future modelling based on updated Census data and projected residential and commercial development.
The city council welcomed the report, describing it as a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of fire and emergency service provision for Cork City.
It said the findings will ensure the Fire and Building Control Department is equipped to meet the city's evolving needs and that the recommendations will enhance the efficiency, readiness, and community impact of fire and emergency services.
The city currently has two full-time fire stations – one in Anglesea St and one in Ballyvolane (picture).
Implementing the report will require significant investment in physical infrastructure, including the construction of new stations and the refurbishment of existing ones.
The council said it is preparing a funding application to submit to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management to immediately implement the Phase 1 recommendations.
Brian Geaney, the assistant chief executive and chairperson of the Fire Review Steering Group, welcomed the publication of the review.
'This report marks an important step in the process of modernising the city council fire and emergency response service, to future-proof it,' he said.
'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.'
David Joyce, the council's director of emergency management and climate action, said the review is the culmination of a detailed analysis of extensive spatial and statistical data, including resources, incidents, callouts, road geometry, and speed data.
'This report clearly lays out a future development strategy which details the infrastructure investments which need to be delivered in Cork City to meet the expanding needs of our growing city, its communities and businesses,' he said.
Chief Fire Officer David Spillett said he was particularly pleased that the report emphasises the need for additional stations and infrastructure, which will enhance fire service coverage and response capability citywide.
'This enhanced emergency service presence will help meet and future-proof the increasing demands upon the emergency services within Cork City and allow us in the fire service to deliver on our vision of providing an excellent operational service to the public we serve,' he said.
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