Cost of fire damage to Meath Civil Defence HQ could run to hundreds of thousands of euro

The Navan HQ of Meath Civil Defence has been extensively damaged by fire this evening with vital emergency equipment including fire engines, ambulances and rescue boats destroyed.

The blaze at Moat View House, Mullaghboy Industrial Estateis is believed to have taken hold at around 4pm this afternoon and was concentrated on the loading bays that store vehicles, boats and generators used by Meath Civil Defence.

In a statement Meath County Council confirmed that nobody was injured, and the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

"We would like to thank Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Services for their swift response."

Director of Services with Meath County Council, Darragh McGowan who attended the scene said investigations in to the cause of the fire were being carried out but said there was "no evidence of wrongdoing at at this stage.

Mr McGowan said the blaze had been concentrated in the loading bay areas where vehicles would have been stored including fire engine, ambulance, instant command unit, catering units and trailers with rescue boats and generators.

He added that fire doors in the building, which was opened in October 2020 at a cost of over €2.6 million, prevented the fire spreading to the training room and offices.

Mr McGowan said offers of support from neighbouring county Civil Defence teams had flooded in.

"We've two staff and 180 volunteers throughout the county and they always show up when they're asked to show up and pull together especially when something like this happens.

"The other counties have all offered support, offered to lend us equipment as and when we need it so the service will not be affected. We will get what we need and rebuild as soon as we can and we'll build back bigger and better than ever before. We have plenty of great neighbours in Civil Defence that will come to our aid."

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, and Meath East TD, Helen McEntee said she was "very sorry to hear of the fire at Meath Civil Defence HQ in Navan but I am relieved that no one was injured.

"I want to sincerely thank Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response and Meath Civil Defence volunteers & staff for their continued dedication.

"I have spoken with the team and will work closely with them to ensure services continue over Christmas."

Minister for EU Affairs and Meath East TD, Thomas Byrne said: "I am very upset to hear of a major fire at the HQ of the Meath Civil Defence in Navan this evening. I am relieved that Meath County Council have informed me that no one has been injured. The volunteers of the Meath Civil Defence are highly valued and I am determined that this facility can be back in action, with its equipment, as soon as is practical. It is badly needed.

"Sincere thanks to the Meath Fire Services who have been responding tonight."