'Significant achievement': New firefighting equipment officially launched by Kildare Council

Kildare County Council has officially launched new high‑performance personal protective equipment (PPE) for the county’s Fire Service. This marks a significant investment in both firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. 

The new PPE is being supplied by High Precision Motor Products (HPMP) in partnership with S‑Gard, one of Europe’s largest and longest‑established manufacturers of firefighting clothing. Kildare Fire Service is the first in Ireland to award a contract to HPMP Fire and S‑Gard, following an extensive public tender process. 

Designed to meet the demanding operational needs of modern firefighters, the new suits combine durability, comfort and high‑performance protection. Manufactured using premium materials and advanced protective technologies, the PPE provides reliable safety in extreme conditions while maintaining flexibility and ease of movement. 

A key benefit of the new supply arrangement is the significantly reduced turnaround time from order to delivery, with the new PPE being delivered within just 12 weeks. This ensures firefighters are equipped without lengthy waiting periods and reflects an important step forward in improving access to next‑generation firefighting clothing in Ireland. 

READ NEXT: Works start on €3m extension to Kildare hospital

Speaking at the launch, Sandra O’Reilly of High Precision Motor Products said: “We were delighted to be awarded this project by Kildare County Council.  This represents the first step in what we hope will be a long‑term partnership for HPMP Fire and S‑Gard. 

“S‑Gard is a well‑established, family‑run business with over 135 years’ experience manufacturing firefighting clothing, and HPMP Fire is proud to have facilitated the first delivery of S‑Gard PPE to Irish fire services. 

“We are particularly proud to be able to provide a much quicker turnaround time from order to delivery, ensuring firefighters have timely access to essential protective clothing,” she added. 

Niall O’Riordan, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Kildare County Council, also said: “We are extremely happy to partner with HPMP Fire and S‑Gard for the supply of our new firefighting PPE. HPMP Fire were successful in winning this contract following an extensive tender process and we are very proud to be the first fire service in Ireland to work with HPMP Fire and S‑Gard as they enter the Irish market. 

“The delivery of this PPE within a 12‑week timeframe is a significant achievement and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing high‑quality protective equipment for our staff as they respond to critical incidents. 

“We would also like to acknowledge the financial assistance provided by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in completing this tender.” 

Cllr Veralouise Behan, Leas Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, concluded the launch by saying: “As an elected representative and Leas Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, I am extremely proud of our fire service. This new PPE is supplied by S‑Gard, a German manufacturer whose firefighting clothing is used across Europe, from Norway to Croatia, and now for the first time in Ireland. I wish Niall and all members of Kildare Fire Service every success as they continue their vital work in helping keep our communities safe.”