Speech by Tánaiste Simon Harris at official opening of Roscommon Civil Defence Building

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Cathaoirleach; Oireachtas Members; Secretary General; Chief Executive; Councillors; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen. Good afternoon.

Is cúis mhór áthais dom a bheith anseo i Ros Comáin inniu le Ceanncheathrú nua Chosaint Shibhialta Ros Comáin a oscailt go hoifigiúil.

I dtús báire, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an bPríomhoifigeach Dóiteáin John Keane agus leis an Oifigeach Cosanta Sibhialta Claire Keane – ní bheimis anseo inniu murach iad.

This truly is a proud day for you, our Civil Defence Officers and Volunteers, and I am so pleased to be able to join you in person to offer my gratitude as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence.

Looking around at this impressive new facility, it would be easy to forget the modest origins of the Civil Defence in a year that marks the 75th anniversary of its establishment.

This €2.6 million investment marks a significant milestone in this county’s commitment to public safety and emergency response.

It speaks loudly of Roscommon County Council’s dedication to Civil Defence and its volunteers, who continue to give so much to their communities without expecting anything in return. We really do owe you a great deal.

It’s opportune that I should be here today, in a part of the country that was so badly impacted by the recent Storm Éowyn.

Like your colleagues all across the country, you stepped up to the plate so that you could assist and support communities that were left devastated by the elements, through no fault of their own.

Your contribution as volunteers, answering the call of your neighbours and communities, personifies the concept of “meitheal”, a centuries-old tradition which is rooted deep in Irish culture.

It describes how people come together, work together and provide support and assistance to help one another wherever and whenever it is needed.

Like so many other units across the country, you worked tirelessly delivering food, generators and other supplies, undertaking welfare checks, supplying community hubs and making a key difference to so many people who suffered from the effects of that storm.

What we saw was the incredible dedication of volunteers up and down the country, providing a vital service to their towns and villages.

Your response served to enhance the understanding of what Civil Defence is capable of doing and demonstrated that you can always be relied upon.

As someone who has been surrounded by volunteers in my own community, it is a pleasure to meet with and observe the close comradeship of Civil Defence Volunteers, many of whom spend much of their adult lives in their local units.

But I know that as society evolves, the role of Civil Defence is rapidly changing too.

With the support of local authorities and my department, volunteers are being trained in medical response, drone pilots and communications, boat coxswains, dog handling, search and rescue, severe weather and off-road driving, amongst other things.

This broad range of abilities within Civil Defence is the reason why this organisation is invaluable in our communities.

You play a crucial role in disaster relief, search and rescue operations, medical support, and civil protection, offering their time and expertise to safeguard the well-being of the public.

With the new headquarters, the Civil Defence in Roscommon will be better equipped to coordinate these efforts and enhance training programs for volunteers, ensuring the highest standards of preparedness and response.

This state-of-the-art facility, and similar facilities in Westmeath, Cavan and Dublin, not only reflects the dedication of the volunteers but also the unwavering support of local authorities.

It is for the volunteers that we work to improve Civil Defence, so that - when the call comes - they have the skills and equipment to carry out the roles they are asked to do.

What I can say with certainty is that, across Government, and particularly in the aftermath of recent extreme weather, there is an enhanced understanding of what Civil Defence is capable of and that it can always be relied upon.

For my part, I will continue to push to ensure that Civil Defence gets the resources it needs in the years ahead, but – truly – I am pushing an open door.

Finally, I would just like to congratulate Civil Defence Officer Claire Keane, Roscommon County Council and all the team on their new facility.

This investment is a massive vote of confidence from the Council in local Civil Defence.

It will be a springboard for this unit to continue to develop, and I know it is an investment that will be appreciated by the volunteers and repaid many times over in the years ahead.

This occasion is a celebration of commitment, teamwork, and the invaluable role the Civil Defence plays in safeguarding the people of Roscommon.

Congratulations one and all and it now gives me great pleasure to declare the new Civil Defence Headquarters in Roscommon officially open.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.