Application submitted to invest £42.2m in NIFRS training facility

by Q Radio News

A planning application from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) for a £42.2m investment in their Learning and Development Centre at Desertcreat has been submitted.

The application is for the latest phase in the facility in County Tyrone which opened in September 2019.

Plans include the building of a specialist driving and road traffic collision training area, a training environment for collapsed buildings and below ground rescue.

There are also plans to build a swift water rescue training facility and a “call out village” which will include a bungalow, a semi-detached dwelling and a detached dwelling. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2022 and to be completed in 2024 - if the planning application is accepted.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I welcome the news that NIFRS have submitted their planning application for the development of the second phase of their Learning & Development Centre.

“Firefighters run toward danger when others run away and it is vitally important that when they face those challenges they receive the best possible training.

“If approved this flagship project will represent the largest capital investment ever undertaken by NIFRS and further enhance the Services ability to protect the lives of all the people of Northern Ireland.”

First Minister Arlene Foster echoed the health minister's words.

She said: Ambitious projects such as this are a huge, multi-agency undertaking and I commend all those involved for their efforts so far. I look forward to seeing the finished centre, which I trust will be a fitting training facility for the brave men and women who pass through its doors.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added: “This is a significant development in an ongoing project which represents both a huge investment in Mid Ulster and a good news story for the local area. Not only will this facility at Desertcreat improve training for the Fire and Rescue Service but it also provides a major boost for the construction sector and the regional economy.  Most importantly, in producing the firefighters of tomorrow, it improves safety for us all.”

Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Michael Graham said the investment is important in keeping everyone in Northern Ireland safe.

He said: “We are planning to build facilities which will mean our Firefighters are able to train in state of the art facilities. These will give them crucial “real world” experience in dealing with the hazards they face while protecting our community. 

“I want to thank the Department of Health and the Minister for their support in this crucial project and I look forward to working closely with Mid Ulster Council throughout the rest of the planning process.”