New £50m NIFRS Learning & Development College officially opens in Cookstown

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelley, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, along with new fire service recruits

(All images: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye)

A major milestone was reached today as the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) celebrated the official opening of its new £50 million Learning & Development College, situated just outside Cookstown.

The state-of-the-art training centre, a flagship Programme for Government project supported by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department of Health, was completed in late 2024 and stands as a symbol of innovation in emergency services training.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt attended the official ceremony, marking the significance of the investment to the region and the future of fire and rescue services across Northern Ireland.

General view of the new facility in Cookstown.

The new facility features cutting-edge immersive training environments designed to replicate real-life emergency scenarios. Phase 2 of the project has delivered a broad range of specialist simulation spaces, including a flood water rescue facility, a training warehouse, a call-out village, a barn and slurry pit, motorway infrastructure, and an academic building.

These are in addition to the tactical firefighting facility and training support building completed during Phase 1 in 2019.

Firefighters taking part in training at the new facility.

General view of the new facility in Cookstown.

Firefighters taking part in training at the new facility.

A Historic Milestone for NIFRS

Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings addressed attendees, stating:

“Today marks a historic milestone for our Service. The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern day Fire & Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies. This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution.”

He continued:

“The college fosters a culture of lifelong learning and marks the beginning of a new journey that will shape how we prepare, develop and support our people and our community.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, along with deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelley, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with new fire service recruits

Jennings offered heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and departments whose support brought the vision to life:

“On behalf of NIFRS I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Northern Ireland Executive, Department of Health, Department of Finance, our Board, and all those who provided financial and strategic support to bring this vision to life.

“I would like to express thanks to those involved in the project from its very inception, who have worked tirelessly to turn that vision into a reality. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, passion and commitment to helping make Northern Ireland a safer place.”

Executive Praise for a Flagship Project

Speaking at the event, First Minister Michelle O’Neill praised the facility, saying:

“This new Learning and Development College is a state-of-the-art facility, providing world-class training experiences for our Fire and Rescue Service. And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people who, day and daily, selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives.”

She added that the project will be a lasting asset to both the Mid Ulster area and the wider community:

“It will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelley, Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, along with new fire service recruits

Firefighters taking part in training at the new facility.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt are pictured during the official opening with trainee fire fighters.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of advanced training capabilities:

“This new college will ensure our firefighters can develop the vital skills required to help those in need and to protect our communities in state-of-the-art facilities.”

She continued:

“It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible. I want to congratulate all involved in this flagship project and to commend the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service for everything they do to keep people safe.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt talking with firefighters during the official opening.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt hailed the development as a vital investment in public safety:

“This is a landmark investment not just in the future of our Fire & Rescue Service, but in the safety and wellbeing of every community across Northern Ireland.”

He emphasised the calibre of the new training infrastructure:

“It equips our Firefighters with world-class training facilities that will ensure they are trained and ready to face the most complex challenges of modern emergency response.”

“I commend all those involved in delivering this visionary project and reaffirm the Department of Health’s commitment to supporting initiatives that protect and save lives.”

Firefighters taking part in training at the new facility.

Firefighters taking part in training at the new facility.

A Centre of Excellence for Emergency Services

The Learning & Development College is expected to serve not only the NIFRS but also as a hub for collaborative training with other emergency services and statutory bodies. The facility’s design promotes a culture of continuous professional development and readiness for high-risk scenarios across diverse emergency contexts.

As the NIFRS embarks on this new chapter, the investment is widely seen as a transformative step forward in enhancing public safety and supporting the vital work of those who risk their lives for others every day.