Civil Defence

With no increase in its annual grant from the Department of Defence for the past 3 years and the potential of a cut in the 2011 budget, 2010 saw Civil Defence at its busiest yet with 114 events attended, equating to 684 volunteers assisting, and equaled 556 hours of voluntary work. All this is achieved in conjunction with the volunteers’ jobs and family life. This is what Civil Defence is about, doing its best to be there for the community no matter what. It is thanks to the dedication of these volunteers that Civil Defence is able to continue to assist in time of need.

During the winter of 2009, Civil Defence responded to a call from the HSE to assist them during the inclement weather and this was repeated in 2010 when the severe weather hit earlier and volunteers worked round the clock and over the Christmas period to ensure HSE staff got to and from work and carers were able to reach clients living in isolated areas.

In addition to those volunteering hours at duties / events volunteers attended training weekly to keep their skills in all Civil Defence activities sharp and 2010 saw 4 local volunteers reach a new height in Civil Defence First aid training namely qualifying as EMT ‘S (Emergency Medical Technician). Boating activities increased 100% due to the return of the Triathlon to Sligo which requires an in-depth training schedule for a number of months prior to the event, with Civil Defence providing safety boat cover for the swimming section.

With the economic downturn in full swing Civil Defence has seen an increase in calls from potential volunteers with time on their hands and an interest in the skills offered by Civil Defence in the hope that the skills attained will benefit them in the future. 50 new volunteers registered at the beginning of the training term in October.

Strategic plan for Civil Defence for 2010-2013 was introduced in June 2010 outlining Civil Defence hopes and aspirations for the next three years.