The £1.8m project has been designed to current industry best practice to give firefighters a modern, fit-for-purpose operational base. The station will include upgraded welfare facilities with a dedicated recreation space and gym. Energy-efficient measures — including on-site electrical generation with battery storage, and high-efficiency electric heating and lighting — are intended to cut energy use and support NIFRS sustainability goals.

Work is scheduled to complete by the end of 2027. The new building will be constructed beside the existing Cushendall Fire Station, which dates from 1989 and will remain operational throughout to avoid any disruption to local emergency response.

Once the new facility is finished, the current station will be demolished to make way for a new drill tower and drill yard.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said: "The sod-cutting ceremony marks an important milestone for NIFRS and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Cushendall Fire Station, its Firefighters and its local community. "This £1.8m investment will provide our Firefighters with a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that supports their safety, well-being and operational needs, while ensuring they have the facilities they need to continue delivering an effective emergency response to our community.

"I would like to thank the Department of Health for its continued investment and support, as well as everyone involved in bringing this project forward.

"We look forward to seeing construction progress and to our Firefighters in Cushendall having a Fire Station that will serve them and the local area for many years to come."

Health Minister Robbie Butler said: "This significant investment demonstrates my Department's continued commitment to NIFRS, recognising the essential role it plays in protecting local communities.

"Firefighters serve local people across Northern Ireland with courage and dedication, often under challenging circumstances. The new Cushendall Fire Station represents an important investment in emergency service infrastructure, and the building will provide a modern operational base for firefighters as they deliver a high-quality, emergency response service for the local area and beyond."