Health Minister Robbie Butler has welcomed a major investment in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), including £11million for 31 new fire appliances, which will be deployed to fire stations across Northern Ireland.

A total of 47 new specialist vehicles and appliances will be rolled out to fire stations across Northern Ireland. The investment, which totals over £16million, represents a significant operational fleet upgrade to enhance emergency response and support firefighters in protecting local communities.

During his first visit to NIFRS Service Support Centre in Belfast, Minister Butler met with Aidan Jennings, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer and Paula White, Director of Finance and Support Services, to hear more about the integration of the new appliances, the impact of this investment and future plans for the service. The Minister viewed the vehicles, which are equipped with upgraded technology designed to improve firefighter safety, enhance operational effectiveness, support crew welfare and strengthen clean cab and contaminant management arrangements.

Minister Butler said the fleet upgrade will provide improved protection and comfort for fire crews attending incidents across Northern Ireland. “This major investment ensures fire crews have access to reliable, modern vehicles, equipping them to respond quickly and effectively when communities need them most. These modern appliances will help fire crews meet the demands of the increasingly complex challenges they face every day and have been designed with safety, resilience and efficiency at their core, providing crews with the tools they need to protect people, property and the environment.

“Importantly, the vehicles also incorporate measures to support firefighter health and wellbeing, including enhanced arrangements for managing operational contaminants and reducing exposure to harmful substances. This investment demonstrates our commitment not only to maintaining an effective emergency response service, but also to protecting the wellbeing of the firefighters who serve our communities.”

The investment includes funding for three new Command Support Units, which will be introduced into frontline service next year. These specialist units play a vital role in coordinating responses to major incidents and help maintain a safe, efficient and dependable emergency response capability.