A Laois town is set to receive a new fire station, fifteen years on from when the dedicated land was originally purchased.

Laois County Council has announced that approval has been granted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a new fire station in Rathdowney.

The Council will now progress to full design and cost plan stage for this new fire station.

The application for the proposed new fire station was originally submitted in December 2024, outlining the significant limitations of the current fire station. The new proposal includes a new two bay station, training tower and yard in line with national guidance.

Rathdowney Fine Gael Cllr John King spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on the news.

"This is a very good day for Rathdowney and for the men and women who serve as fire officers in our local station," Cllr King said.

"The current building is outdated, overcrowded, and lacks the proper facilities needed for female staff- despite Rathdowney having the highest number of female firefighters in the county.

"As a former firefighter myself, I am genuinely delighted to see this project finally progressing. This is something I have fought hard for since my election as a county councillor having raised numerous notice of motions at Council level," he said.

"My wish as a former fire fighter was to deliver for my former colleagues. I wish to acknowledge the assistance of Deputy Willie Aird who has been very vocal at Dáil level and supportive of the project.

"The site for the new station was purchased more than 15 years ago, and today's confirmation marks a long-overdue and very welcome step forward for the community and for the fire service," Cllr King finished.

Read More: Plea for money to replace Laois fire station with no women's toilets or showers

Laois County Council identified Rathdowney fire station as its number one infrastructural priority for the 2026 – 2030 Fire Services Capital Programme.

Simon Walton, Director of Services at Laois County Council, welcomed the news.

“Laois County Council is working hard to continually deliver high quality infrastructure for our communities, and this approval marks a major step forward for Rathdowney," Mr Walton said.

"This new fire station will make a real and lasting  difference for the town, supporting both our firefighters and the wider community they serve.”

Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, also welcomed news of the Rathdowney development.

“This is great news for the people of Rathdowney, it will ensure that our Fire and Rescue staff have improved facilities as they continue to protect the community," the Cathaoirleach said.

"I would like to thank the hard-working staff in Laois County Council for progressing this application and I look forward to visiting the new station when it opens”.

Laois County Council will now begin the next phase of the project, to appoint the Design Team to prepare the detailed design and to prepare tender documents.

That will be followed by a public tender process and appointment of a Contractor to construct the new fire station.  Updates will be provided as the project progresses.