Westmeath Civil Defence are to take up temporary residence in the County Buildings in Mullingar while a new long-term facility is being sought.
The council’s chief executive Pat Gallagher gave an update on the situation at Monday’s county council meeting, following revelations in late November that the group was operating from wholly unsuitable conditions at their former headquarters.
The facilities in prefab buildings at Cullion Beg were described as damp and mouldy, and “literally falling apart”.
Mr Gallagher said a series of meetings had been held involving the county’s chief fire officer, Civil Defence officer, and a representative group of volunteers, and that the facilities at Áras an Chontae were a temporary measure only.
“There was a clear setting out of requirements, and there has been an agreement to use a number of locations in Áras an Chontae; this is a temporary solution which will allow the Civil Defence to operate fully,” he said.
While councillors expressed concern that the process could “drag out”, Mr Gallagher said he hoped a permanent home would be found as quickly as possible and that a number of options were being assessed.
