Fire and Building Control

Civil Defence

Civil Defence is a volunteer-based organisation that supports Ireland’s front-line emergency services. With over 4,500 volunteers nationwide, Civil Defence plays a vital role in emergency preparedness and response.

Volunteer Training Areas:

Civil Defence volunteers receive professional training in a wide range of disciplines, including:

Casualty Care
Search and Rescue
Auxiliary Fire Services
Radiation Monitoring
Welfare Support
Emergency Communications

In addition, volunteers are trained in Critical Incident Stress Management, Health and Safety, and Manual Handling. Regular joint training exercises with Principal Response Agencies (PRAs)—namely the Local Authorities, Health Service Executive (HSE), and An Garda Síochána—help maintain high standards and seamless coordination during emergency responses.

Role and Responsibilities:

The primary role of Civil Defence is to act as a second-line emergency response organisation, supporting the PRAs in situations such as:

Severe weather and flood response
Missing person searches
Communications support
Voluntary emergency ambulance services

You can find more information on the Civil Defence website.

Civil Defence in Cork County:

Previously aligned with the former administrative areas of Cork North, Cork South, and Cork West, Civil Defence Units in Cork County have been reorganised to reflect the establishment of Municipal Districts and the extension of the Cork City boundary.

As a result, Cork County’s Civil Defence operations are now structured into two strengthened units:

Mallow Headquarters: Serving the Municipal Districts of Kanturk/Mallow, Fermoy, Cobh, and East Cork.
Skibbereen Headquarters: Serving the Municipal Districts of West Cork, Macroom, Bandon/Kinsale, and Carrigaline