In an historic day for Ballymote, County Manager, Hubert Kearns signed the contract with contractor Ollie Kenny for the construction of a new fire station for the South Sligo town.

This long awaited project has taken years of planning and design to bring it to this stage. Mr. Kearns outlined this €1.5 million investment in Ballymote as the final stage in the Council's modernisation of Sligo's Fire Service.

He thanked the local councillors, Oireachtas members and staff of Sligo Local Authorities for their work in bringing the project this far.

Deputy Eamon Scanlon said he was delighted that this day had come and paid tribute to the fire service in Ballymote for their patience over the years in waiting for the new facility.

Deputy John Perry saw it as an important day for Ballymote as the new fire station reflects 'critical investment into the infrastructure of the area.'

Councillor Pat McGrath spoke on behalf of the Ballymote elected members saying 'the signing on the dotted line was a milestone event.'

He and his fellow councillors were delighted to see the project underway. Cllr McGrath also paid tribute to the Ballymote fire service stating that 'their response time was second to none' and their work was greatly appreciated by the community in Ballymote.

He thanked the staff of Sligo Borough Council's Architects Department and Sligo County Council for their work in designing and delivering the project. The new fire station is anticipated to be completed in late 2010.

The new fire station provides a new two-storey building providing an appliance bay for two fire engines, a communications room, offices, lecture room, canteen and changing facilities, workshop and stores. A new fire drill tower will also be constructed as well as a drill yard for fire service training.