Construction is due to start late this year/early next year.
Approval has been granted for a major new fire service training centre in the midlands.
The €2.1 millon development will be constructed next to the existing Offaly Fire and Rescue Station in Kilcruttin, Tullamore.
The next step in the process is completing the detailed design and tender documents before the end of the summer, with construction due to start towards the end of this year or early next year.
Offaly's Chief Fire Officer Eoin Ó Ceileachair explains the intended use for the specialist centre:
Part 8 planning approval was granted by Offaly County Councillors at their monthly meeting yesterday.
Just over €2.1 million has been allocated by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for the project.
Once completed, the centre can be hired out for €1,200 per day, according to Mr. Ó Ceileachair, meaning the rental fees will cover the costs of the facility.
Offaly Fire and Rescue Service hopes this will allow them to operate on a surplus year on year, but at least make the endeavor cost neutral.
During discussion on the project at yesterday's meeting of Offaly County Council, concerns were raised about access to the centre and traffic in the area, including by local independent councllor Seán O'Brien.
Mr. Ó Ceileachair assured him that access through the nearby Pearse Park will be extremely minimal in nature.
READ MORE: Offaly To Become Regional Hub For Fire Service Training And Development
The development of a new training centre is being welcomed as a boost to the local economy though.
Councillor John Leahy thinks the facility is an investment in the area.
The independent rep says the increased footfall will increase cash flow in the local area:
Laois TD Highlights Four Year Wait For Neurological Assessments
40 New Jobs On The Way To Laois
Westmeath Psychotherapist Warns Of Gambling Addictions
Katie Taylor Fight In Croke Park Sold Out
Sunshine Is On The Way For The Midlands
SIPTU Call For 'Full Answers' On Midlands College Closure
Westmeath Community Project Launching Strategic Plan Today
New Road Safety Campaign For Midlands Summer Events
Former Laois-Offaly Garda Sergeant Joins Muintir Na Tíre
Laois Accused Told Gardaí He Hit Deer After Fatal Collision
Business Leaders Meeting In Laois
Midlands Landscaper Granted Bail In Drug Case
Laois Leisure Centre Calls Gardaí Over Group's "Disgraceful Behaviour"
El Nino Officially Begins
Renewable Energy Generation In Offaly Needs To Be Honoured In New Targets - Tony McCormack
Longford -Westmeath TD Calls For Government Energy Credits To Be Brought Forward
Recruitment Underway For New Normal Store In Westmeath
Enoch Burke To Face Teaching Council Inquiry
Offaly TD Demands Local Authorities Be Afforded Stronger Powers To Tackle Anti Social Behaviour
Investigation Still Underway Into Irish Produced Alumina