Tallaght Fire Station celebrates 38 years
By Mary Dennehy
THIS week 38 years ago Tallaght Fire Station opened it doors and has over the decades become a vital and pivotal part of its surrounding community.
On April 21, 1982, Tallaght Fire Station opened on the Belgard Road with 44 staff and one fire engine.
Fire Officers mark the occasion on Tuesday night (Image Dublin Fire Brigade)
District Officer Peter Navan, who is living in Kilnamanagh joined Tallaght Fire Station in 1985, said: “It was a fantastic station for getting experience.
“Within the space of 10 years, I had delivered 12 babies, which was a reflection of the population growth.”
While the station’s catchment area, which stretches from the Wicklow and Kildare borders to Templeogue, has remained pretty much the same, the population has significantly increased – especially in communities like Tallaght, Clondalkin and Lucan.
“It’s a decent sized area and the population increase in the 38 years has been colossal”, Peter said.
“When the station opened there was very little around Tallaght but houses.
“There was no hotels, no apartments, no Square, no college.
“It’s all worked out quite well for Tallaght, which is great to see.”
The first fire officers in 1982 (Image: Dublin Fire Brigade)
The station, which is backed up by Dolphins Barn, today has two fire engines, one ambulance and 68 staff members across four watches.
Looking to the future, Peter believes that the station will need to expand.
“The station will definitely need to expand in the coming years”, Peter said.
“Maybe the introduction of another station around Lucan.
“We’ll definitely need an aerial appliance for the amount of apartments being built and planned [for the area].”
Tallaght Fire Station when it first opened (Image: Dublin Fire Brigade)
Peter sees the station continuing to be a vital member of the community in the years to come.
“On the 38th birthday, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all past and current staff and a huge thank you to the community for its support and for being there for us over the years”, Peter said.
“Tallaght Fire Station has always been a great place to work and there’s been some great officers and firefighters based there.”
He added: “The station has always been involved in the community over the years .
“The amount of charity work that firefighters do within the community is amazing, every watch is involved in charitable causes… and the community has always been so generous in its support.”
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