Through recent years it became apparent to the Civil Defence organisation in County Laois that while carrying out its duties across the county the need for a support vehicle was necessary that could act as a command centre and also carry some supplies for all services.

In early 2000 senior officers and the Civil Defence Officer set about remedying this need. At the outset research was carried out to ascertain the vehicles and equipment that were used by other Organisations and Emergency Services in other European Countries. After considerable thought it was decided to purchase a Volvo FL 6 18 sleeper cab with a 24ft Cargo body complete with a tail lift and rear roller door. Acquired in 2001 we then set about the conversion of the vehicle to our own specific requirements.

A Seven point plan was then put in place to undertake the work in various stages to meet our specific requirements and also to comply with the financial constraints of the organisation.

Stage 1

Division of the vehicle and installation of the side entrance door steps and windows.

Stage 2

Insulation and first stage of timber fixings along with wiring and communications cabling.

Stage 3

Second fixing of office furniture, electrical and communications fittings.

Stage 4

Re spray of vehicle and the fitting of Emergency lighting and markings

Stage 5

Consultation with Mr Pat Kennedy Communications Officer Civil Defence School regarding the purchase of communications equipment and installation of aerials and mast and back up power supplies.

Stage 6

The fitting of all equipment to the vehicle and the testing of same before its inaugural launch at the National Exercise 2005 hosted by Laois Civil Defence

Stage 7

Conversion of the rear portion of the Vehicle for the storage and transportation of extra equipment . (to be completed April 2006 )

Equipment Summary

To date the following equipment has been purchased and installed on the O.S.U.

2.8 KW Generator powers the O.S.U when electrical supply is not available.

U.H.F./ V.H.F. and marine band radio equipment along with roof mounted aerials and also a Clarke 30 foot pump up mast and search light.

Computer, printer and extra display screens mapping for County Laois and also regional counties.

T.V / Radio and C.C.T.V. equipment.

Mobile phone, fax and mobile internet access.

2nd Diesel generator and lighting for stand by purposes.

Duties to date

From its inaugural launch last May at the National Exercise The Operational Support Unit has had a busy schedule and has assisted at the following events and locations

J P Mc Manus Golf classic Adare Co. Limerick
Regional Camp Costume Barracks Mullingar Co.Westmeath.
National Country Fair Emo Co.Laois.
Stradbally Steam Rally Co.Laois
Electric Picnic Rock Concert Stradbally Co.Laois
National Boating Exercise Lough Ree Co.Roscommon
Missing Persons Call out Glenbarrow Slieve Bloom Mountains Co.Laois
Civil Defence School Information day
Laois Hospice St Stephens Day Annual Sponsored walk
Training Exercises at Sub County 1,2,3,Mountmellick,Stradbally and Durrow Units.

At all locations the O.S.U. has operated efficiently and satisfactorily and has been highly admired and commended by the organisers of the various events

As Communications officer for Laois Civil Defence. I have given a lot of thought time and research to the planning and equipping of theVehicle to its present standard and I would like to place on record my thanks to our Civil Defence Officer, Mr Liam Preston, Instructors and volunteers and all those that helped in any way for the time and effort they have all given to this project.

Cmdr Fergal Conroy