Exciting new chapter beckons for Civil Defence
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Tánaiste Mícheál Martin is introduced to Cavan Civil Defence volunteers Hannah Martin, Michelle Murray Connolly, Mary McKeever, Siobhán Cooney, and Fintan Cooney by Cavan Civil Defence Officer John Maguire as he toured the new Cavan Civil Defence HQ which is currently undergoing fit-out at Pullamore, Cavan. PHOTO: Adrian Donohoe Adrian DonohoeImage 2 of 3
Civil Defence volunteers practice water rescue at Lough Ramor.Image 3 of 3
Over 60 Civil Defence volunteers took part in a major exercise in Virginia on Sunday, 21 May. PHOTOS: Nigel McDowellCavan Civil Defence is gearing up for a busy summer with its new headquarters in Cavan Town nearing completion.
Tánaiste, Minister for Defence, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD visited the new Civil Defence HQ on Friday, May 26, where he greeted volunteers and was given a tour of the premises.
The new Civil Defence HQ, which is expected to be complete by Q3 2023, comprises three adjacent commercial units, which have been amalgamated into one single facility to provide training rooms, office space, stores, volunteer welfare facilities, and storage for large equipment and vehicles such as boats and ambulances.
Speaking at the Pullamore facility, Tánaiste Martin complimented Cavan Civil Defence and Cavan County Council on the progress made to date in re-fitting the buildings, and hailed the efforts of Civil Defence volunteers, particularly during the pandemic and in the resettlement of refugees from Ukraine in recent years. The Tánaiste wished them every success in their new home.
Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor John Paul Feeley said: “It is gratifying to see the selflessness, skill, and dedication of our Civil Defence volunteers and officers acknowledged through the provision of this fine new facility, which is near completion.
“Cavan Civil Defence is one of the busiest in the country and is held in universal high regard. I am sure that this new facility when complete will see them rise to even greater heights in service of their community.”
Cavan Civil Defence Officer John Maguire welcomed the Tánaiste, especially given his role as Minister for Defence. “The Department of Defence has provided significant funding to Cavan County Council to develop this new facility and we are grateful for the support of the Department, our Oireachtas members, and the councillors and management of Cavan County Council.”
May was a busy month for Cavan Civil Defence with more than sixty volunteers undertaking a major exercise at Lough Ramor. Activities included a first aid competition, demonstrations on search and rescue, a visit from Meath Civil Defence’s canine unit, and exhibitions of thermal imaging equipment and sonar.
“The practical skills honed at this event will no doubt be of great benefit when put into action in real-life scenarios... I would like to thank all the participating volunteers and guest speakers and exhibitors that made this such a successful exercise,” said Mr Maguire.