Work is to begin in May on a £42.6 million learning and development centre near Cookstown for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
The final phase of the Co Tyrone training centre on the Dungannon Road is the largest capital investment in the history of the NIFRS, and is expected to be completed in 2024.
The first phase of the centre was completed in 2019, with Health minister Robin Swann announcing the contract being awarded to Newry contractor Felix O’Hare & Co.
Speaking at a visit to the site, Swann said the new facilities will ‘revolutionise’ firefighter training in Northern Ireland.
“This investment will enable NIFRS to undertake the largest capital build in their history,” Swann said.
“The facilities it provides will revolutionise how NIFRS trains and develops its people to protect everyone in Northern Ireland.
“These will provide Firefighters with scenario-based realistic and repeatable training experiences, and will complement the existing Tactical Firefighting Facility on the site which has been in operation since September 2019.”
NIFRS Chairperson Ms Carmel McKinney OBE said it was a hugely significant milestone for the organisation.
“This is a hugely significant milestone in this visionary project of development and lifelong learning. Not only is it an investment in a safe and effective Fire and Rescue Service,” Carmel said.
“It is an investment in the challenges we face in the future and the safety of everyone in Northern Ireland.
“On behalf of the NIFRS Board I welcome the appointment of a contractor to deliver on the largest capital build for NIFRS as we embrace what will be a transformative time in the history of our Service.”
