Meath County Council has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD of record investment under the Fire Services Capital Programme 2026–2030, which will see €15.8 million invested in fire service infrastructure across County Meath. As part of the programme, €13 million has been allocated for the major refurbishment and expansion of Navan Fire Station Headquarters, alongside €2.8 million for works at Oldcastle Fire Station and funding for one new fire appliance for Meath.
The announcement forms part of a national €328.5 million Fire Services Capital Programme, the largest investment in fire service infrastructure ever made by the State, aimed at strengthening emergency response capacity, improving firefighter safety, and ensuring stations are fit for purpose for the communities they serve.
Navan Fire Station has been identified as a national priority project for the period 2026–2030. The allocated funding will support the delivery of a replacement headquarters facility on the existing site, ensuring continuity of service throughout the construction phase. A detailed feasibility and concept design has already been completed by Meath County Council, demonstrating the authority’s preparedness to advance the project.
The proposed development will provide: A modern headquarters facility 10 appliance bays, including double length bays and dedicated maintenance space; Improved training, welfare, operational and control facilities; Enhanced site access and rapid emergency response on to the N51 national route; Capacity for future expansion to meet population growth and service demand. Subject to detailed design and statutory processes, the provisional timeline anticipates planning in 2026 and commencement of construction in late 2027.
In addition to the Navan project, €2.8 million has been allocated for investment in Oldcastle Fire Station, supporting necessary refurbishment and upgrade works to improve resilience and operational capacity in the northwest of the county. Meath County Council has also been allocated funding for one new fire appliance, further strengthening frontline response capability and aligning with the Fire
Authority’s fleet renewal programme.
Commenting on the announcement, Cllr. Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, said: “This is a very significant investment in the safety and resilience of our communities. The upgrade of Navan Fire Station HQ in particular reflects its strategic importance as the county’s principal fire headquarters and ensures our firefighters have facilities that match the critical role they perform every day.”
Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe added: “The confirmation of funding recognises the extensive preparatory work already carried out by Meath County Council. These projects will enhance operational effectiveness, firefighter welfare, and emergency response times, while futureproofing services for a growing county.”
The Fire Services Capital Programme 2026–2030 provides funding for fire stations, appliances and specialist equipment across all local authority fire services, supporting the implementation of the national Fire Services Development and Performance Framework.
Meath’s allocations reflect identified service priorities, population growth, and the strategic role of Navan as the county’s fire service headquarters. Oldcastle and New Fire Appliance.
