Purchase of emergency vehicle for Tipperary's Suir Blueway a 'priority', says council
Carrick-on-Suir Cllr David Dunne stressed the urgent need to secure the vehicle for the busy summer months on the Suir Blueway between Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir
The purchase of an off-road vehicle enabling fire fighters to quickly reach people in emergency situations along the Suir Blueway is a priority for Tipperary County Council, a senior council manager has assured a worried councillor.
The Council's Director of Fire & Emergency Services Brian Beck gave this assurance to Carrick-on-Suir Cllr David Dunne at Tipperary County Council's May meeting last week after he sought an update on the local authority's efforts to acquire such a vehicle for use on the 21km cycle and walking path between his hometown and Clonmel.
Cllr Dunne, who is Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District, told the council meeting he knew the Fire Service has struggled to find a suitable vehicle.
However, he stressed the urgent need to secure one ahead of the busy summer months on the amenity
“We are really crying out for it, especially during the summer season.
"If there is an accident on the Blueway, it's very hard for the emergency services to fly up and down the Blueway,” the Sinn Féin councillor pointed out.
Mr Beck responded that he and Tipperary Fire Service Chief Fire Officer John Shinners had spoken about this vehicle. “It's something we are prioritising,” he said.
“It's about securing a vehicle that can travel safely on that route. We will be updating you hopefully in the not too distant future,” he added.
Cllr Dunne has been lobbying Tipperary County Council to purchase the off-road vehicle since 2023.
At the Council's September meeting that year, he was informed the local authority was actively looking to purchase the vehicle.