Civil Defence

Sligo Civil Defence rose to the many challenges of 2006 with its customary professionalism and enthusiasm and this was evident in the number of community activities where its trained volunteers were in attendance.

Civil Defence personnel attended 52 events throughout the year with May to September being the busiest time. Included in this ‘mix’ were gymkhanas, triathlons, golf tournaments, senior soccer fixtures, charity swims, musical festivals, horse shows and car rallies.

Sligo Civil Defence is not only a service for covering community events but is ready to respond to an emergency call if and when received. For example in September it was called upon to assist with the removal of a beached whale at Culleenamore.

Demands on Civil Defence have increased greatly because of insurance requirements on community committees to ensure adequate health and safety and first aid cover at their events. Sligo Civil Defence continues its efforts to recruit, train and sustain volunteers in today’s busy world in order to meet the demands on the service. Sligo Civil Defence has a core group of around 60 volunteers willing and committed to volunteer at relatively short notice and a further 20 or so available if there was a major emergency. The volunteers enjoy the training provided and they are anxious to put their training into practice. Sligo Civil Defence strives to ensure that training is informative and varied to continue to motivate volunteers, not only to remain with the organisation, but to feel confident and useful when their assistance is called upon.

This year saw the transfer of the Civil Defence school from Ratra House in Dublin’s Phoenix Park to Benamore in Roscrea as part of the Governments decentralisation plan. At the same time to promote a fresh image of the organisation the Civil Defence outerwear uniform has been changed from yellow to orange and blue. This uniform will be available to all volunteers towards the end of the year. It will ensure easy recognition of Civil Defence volunteers.

 
- Civil Defence at reception held by the Cathaoirleach Jim McGarry