New £50m firefghters’ training college opens near Cookstown

A NEW £50m training college for the fire service was officially opened this morning near Cookstown.

The college, which is based at Desertcreat just outside Cookstown, has faced many delays since plans for the project were first put forward more than 20 years ago.

However, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said today marked an ‘historic milestone’ for the service.

The new training centre, which was completed at the end of 2024, offers specialist training facilities which reflect real-life emergency scenarios.

These include a flood water rescue facility, a barn and slurry pit and a motorway infrastructure.

“The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern day Fire & Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies,” said Mr Jennings.

“This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution. The college fosters a culture of lifelong learning and marks the beginning of a new journey that will shape how we prepare, develop and support our people and our community.”

Speaking at today’s event, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the new centre would provide’world -class training experiences’ for fire crews

“And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people who, day and daily, selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives.

“As well as being a real asset to the Mid Ulster area, it will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “This new college will ensure our firefighters can develop the vital skills required to help those in need and to protect our communities in state-of-the-art facilities.

“It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “This is a landmark investment not just in the future of our Fire & Rescue Service, but in the safety and wellbeing of every community across Northern Ireland.

“It equips our firefighters with world-class training facilities that will ensure they are trained and ready to face the most complex challenges of modern emergency response. I commend all those involved in delivering this visionary project and reaffirm the Department of Health’s commitment to supporting initiatives that protect and save lives.”