Glen on Imaal Mountain Rescue

Name:Glen on Imaal

Address: Laragh, Co. Wicklow

The mountains dominate the landscape of County Wicklow are an exceptional recreational amenity for local people, national and international visitors.

County Wicklow Partnerhsip (CWP) have developed an outdoor recreation strategy for the county in conjunction with other stakeholders and have supported the development of many walking and activity enterprises in the area. Central to the success of this strategy and a priority for CWP was ensuring the safety of visitors.

In order to do this, CWP invested almost €300,000 in the development of the Glen of Imaal Rescue Centre, based at Laragh in County Wicklow.

The centre was officially opened recently by Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland. The President was impressed with the facilities on offer and applauded the great work of the exceptional volunteer team.

Prior to the development of the centre, the team had no base. They undertook substantial fundraising and also received support from the Irish Red Cross. The centre facilitates a coordinated response to any emergency with internet and telecommunications facilities on site.
As well as operating as a training centre, the building is used by the Rescue Team to store life-saving equipment and vehicles and has been designed to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.

The building systems include solar hot water, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, high spec insulation, heat recovery ventilation and under-floor heating. When fully landscaped, the grounds will be planted with native trees and wildflowers.
The project demonstrates how the CWP are working with communities across Wicklow to improve the services available.

Website: http://www.wmr.ie/