Clare County Fire and Rescue Service has taken delivery of the equipment at its Central Fire Station headquarters in Ennis. The Holmatro tools and associated kit are designed to support crews at road traffic incidents and a range of other rescue scenarios, and will phase out older petrol pump-driven systems used by all seven Clare Fire Brigades.

The upgrade replaces end-of-life gear with modern, industry-leading technology that meets the Service's operational needs. Moving from petrol to battery-powered equipment is also expected to cut the Service's environmental impact and support its commitment to lowering its carbon footprint.

Chief Fire Officer with Clare County Council, Adrian Kelly, said: "These new rescue tools will significantly enhance our ability to respond to road traffic collisions and other rescue incidents safely and efficiently. The equipment offers improved performance, reliability and ease of use, helping firefighters carry out complex rescues more effectively. The introduction of battery-powered hydraulic rescue equipment is not just about improving operational efficiency. The significant reduction in noise at collision scenes helps create a calmer environment for trapped casualties, reducing stress and allowing our crews to provide reassurance and care while carrying out what can be a complex rescue." The latest battery-powered tools will strengthen operational capability, safety and efficiency through improved functionality and performance. They will also aid asset management and maintenance via advanced diagnostics, supporting servicing programmes and contributing to the Service's health and safety management systems.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen, said: "This investment represents a significant commitment to public safety across County Clare. By providing our fire service with modern, state-of-the-art rescue equipment, we are ensuring that firefighters have the tools they need to respond effectively to emergencies and protect communities throughout the county. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in making this important investment possible."

Director of Services of Transport, Climate, Recreation, Environment & Emergency at Clare County Council, Dr Carmel Kirby, said, "The delivery of this new battery-operated rescue equipment is a positive step forward for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service. It enhances operational capability and firefighter safety while also supporting our environmental objectives through the replacement of older petrol-powered equipment with more sustainable technology."

Clare County Fire and Rescue Service employs 103 staff, including firefighters, officers, and administration and maintenance personnel. The county's seven stations are located in Ennis, Shannon, Ennistymon, Scarriff, Killaloe, Kilrush and Kilkee.