Longford County Council Civil Defence Unit joins in 75th anniversary celebrations of Civil Defence in Ireland

President Michael D. Higgins commends spirit of volunteerism

Press Release: Monday, 12 May 2025 

President Michael D. Higgins recently hosted officers and volunteers from Civil Defence units across the country to mark 75 years of the Civil Defence unit joined in the recent celebrations at Áras an Uachtaráin. 

The President paid tribute to decades of service by Civil Defence volunteers saying, "Whether it be through its service in medical rescue, search and rescue, emergency response, radiation monitoring, or community assistance, the Civil Defence volunteers have shown, time and again, their dedication and response capability in support of the primary emergency services and their local communities. 

"I take this opportunity to commend all members, past and present, for this work and for their spirit of volunteerism, giving back to their local community and indeed to wider society."

The Civil Defence is organised on a local authority basis across the State. The organisation was first established by the government in December 1950, in preparation for a potential nuclear was which was then seen as distinctly possible. At the time, the emphasis was on war response, including search and rescue, medical first aid, and welfare through rest centres. 

The modern Civil Defence has evolved into a professionalised volunteer service, specialising in the use of drones and thermal cameras for search and rescue, and operating a modern fleet of response vehicles and boats. The organisation supports the Principal Response Agencies in a variety of emergency and non-emergency duties, including medical response and extreme weather response.

Across the country, Civil Defence supports more than 3,000 duties every year. Many of the non-emergency response duties are in support of local communities. To ensure it can continue to serve local communities, Civil Defence needs volunteers from all communities, and is actively recruiting across the country for a range of skillsets.

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, “Civil Defence volunteers contribute significantly to our community, providing a valuable service as part of Longford County Council. I am delighted that their unwavering commitment to public safety and community resilience was rightly recognised and acknowledged at the recent celebrations at Áras an Uachtaráin.”

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey said, “Our Civil Defence officers exemplify the very best of public service- quietly, professionally, and selflessly supporting communities in times of need. Their dedication deserves not just our gratitude, but our recognition.”