A Safer Ballaghaderreen: Three AEDs at Key Locations
In a major step toward strengthening public health and safety, Ballaghaderreen Town Team has installed three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at a total cost of €5,000. The initiative brings potentially life-saving equipment to places that residents and visitors frequent, ensuring faster help in the event of a cardiac emergency.
Strategic Placement for Quick Access
The AEDs have been placed at three high-traffic, publicly accessible locations to maximize visibility and quick access. The cabins housing the units are temperature-controlled to protect the devices from the elements, and each unit is clearly labeled with an access code. The access code is visible on the window of each cabin, and registered emergency personnel can request the code when needed during an incident.
- Garda Station, New Street (Eircode F45 TR98)
- The Library, The Square (Eircode F45 K763)
- The Clinic, Pound Street (Eircode F45Y099)
The AED units are straightforward to operate, with voice prompts guiding users through the steps. The aim is to remove barriers to use and empower bystanders to act quickly in emergencies, potentially increasing the chances of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Registering for Faster Emergency Response
As part of the rollout, the AEDs are being registered with the National Ambulance Service. This registration ensures that when a call is made to the emergency helpline and the caller provides their Eircode, responders are directed to the nearest registered AED. The result is a faster, more precise response and a real-life improvement in outcomes during cardiac events.
Community Support and Training
“This project has been an important investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said Patricia Madden of Ballaghaderreen Town Team. “Having these defibrillators in place means that we are better equipped to respond quickly to emergencies, potentially saving lives in the event of a cardiac arrest.”
Funding for the project came from the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, which supports initiatives aimed at improving public services and infrastructure. “We’re grateful for the funding provided by the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, which has made this project possible,” said Deirdre McDermott of Ballaghaderreen Town Team. “We also encourage members of the community to take part in any available AED/CPR training sessions, where they can learn how to use defibrillators and perform CPR. The more people who are trained, the better prepared we’ll be.”
A Look Ahead
While the hope is that the AEDs will rarely need to be used, their presence inside easily identifiable, accessible cabins represents a practical upgrade to local emergency readiness. Training sessions for AED and CPR technique will continue to be offered, broadening the town’s capacity to respond effectively to health crises and supporting broader public health goals.
