Civil Defence

Introduction

Civil Defence is a volunteer organisation that supports front line emergency services and local communities. It has 3,500 members trained in a range of services.

Although members join through their local authority, the Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence manages and develops Civil Defence. It provides training, policy direction and administrative support at a national level.

Services

Civil Defence assist front line services in dealing with:

  • Incidents of severe weather
  • Flooding
  • Major accidents
  • The search for missing people.

They also attend large events such as concerts, matches, festivals, air shows and parades. If you want the Civil Defence to be present at an event you’re organising, you can apply to the Civil Defence Officer in your local authority.

Training

Initial volunteer training takes place at local Civil Defence branches. Courses include:

  • First aid
  • Search and rescue
  • Auxiliary fire service
  • Radiation monitoring
  • Welfare
  • Communication

You can get information about how to volunteer on the Civil Defence website.

Volunteers who have undergone training and gained extensive experience at a local level can qualify as instructors. Instructor training takes place in Civil Defence headquarters in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and in Ratra House, Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Further information and contact

Civil Defence Headquarters

Benamore
Roscrea
Tipperary
E53 CY80
Ireland

Tel: (0505) 25310
Page edited: 12 July 2022