Loughs Agency Staff Undergo Vital PPE Training With NI Fire and Rescue Service

18th August 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Loughs Agency staff get hands-on training in water rescue from NIFRS crews at Templemore Sports Complex in Derry

Loughs Agency staff have undergone valuable training on using personal protective equipment (PPE) through a session facilitated by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

The training session, held at Templemore Sports Complex, offered participants a comprehensive overview of essential safety procedures and equipment management. Focusing on best practices in proper usage, maintenance and safety inspections, the session aimed to ensure that all personnel are well-prepared to adhere to safety protocols and uphold high standards of operational readiness.

NIFRS crews then introduced their own specialist water rescue kit and offered hands-on training in using throw lines, teaching participants how to perform a rescue or get themselves to safety in an emergency.

Ciarán McGonigle, joint interim designated officer with the Loughs Agency said: “The training delivered by NIFRS was incredibly impactful and well-received by our team. It strengthened our staff’s ability to respond to challenging situations with greater awareness, skill and confidence. We’re grateful for the collaborative support from NIFRS, and their expertise has equipped our officers with practical tools that will make a real difference on the ground.”

Loughs Agency staff get a briefing from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service poolside at Templemore Sports Complex

NIFRS watch commander Stephen Gaffney said: “We’re pleased to continue strengthening our partnership with Loughs Agency to enhance our joint response to water incidents. These collaborative exercises allow us to share vital skills and expertise to help keep people safe, including our emergency responders and our natural habitats.

“Learning from the experience and knowledge of Loughs Agency is invaluable. Their insight plays a key role in our commitment to continuous improvement and supporting our operational response to deliver excellence at incidents.”

To round off the session, NIFRS joined Loughs Agency fishery officers on a river patrol of the Foyle. This joint exercise helped strengthen local knowledge of the river and demonstrated how the two organisations can support each other in future rescue situations.

Published in Loughs Agency, Water Safety

Published in Loughs Agency

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Loughs Agency

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.