Ranger strengthens Ireland presence through Prestige Detection Systems purchase

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Ranger acquisition extends Irish operations

Ranger Fire and Security has announced its acquisition of Prestige Detection Systems, widening the Group’s footprint across key regions of Ireland.

The company confirmed on Monday 17 November 2025 that the Limerick-based business, established in 2005, will become part of its expanding network.

The organisation said the deal strengthens its position in Munster and Galway.

It added that Prestige Detection Systems operates across commercial and community service sectors and has developed its offering around technical capability and compliance with recognised design and installation standards.

Ranger stated that the business has maintained long-term customer relationships across diverse sites.

It said the acquisition supports its approach to building a network of customer-focused fire and security providers across the UK and Ireland.

Leadership continuity at Prestige Detection Systems

According to Ranger, Managing Director Dave Enright will remain in post with his leadership team.

The company said he brings more than 35 years of experience across fire protection and electronic security work.

It added that he will continue to oversee operations and build capability within the team.

Mark Bridges, Chief Executive Officer of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of PDSL to Ranger marks another key milestone in our expansion across Ireland.

“The team’s focus on compliance, customer service and quality aligns perfectly with our mission to be the one-stop provider for fire and security services across the UK and Ireland.”

Bridges added that the technical strengths within Prestige Detection Systems support the wider Group plan.

Dave Enright, Managing Director of Prestige Detection Systems, said: “We’re excited to join the Ranger Group and look forward to working alongside some of the most respected businesses in the industry.

“This partnership will allow us to continue delivering the same high-quality, customer-focused service that our clients expect, while gaining access to wider expertise, resources and cross-selling opportunities that Ranger offers.”

Strategic gains for Ranger

Ranger reported that the acquisition broadens its reach into Ireland’s west coast.

It noted that the deal adds active fire and electronic security capability.

The company said these services complement its existing portfolio and open opportunities for cross-selling across sites.

It explained that the local presence of Prestige Detection Systems will reduce engineer travel times and support coordination with other firms in the Group.

Ranger said Prestige Detection Systems brings established customer relationships, including with multinational organisations.

According to the Group, this offers commercial potential as part of its wider service model.

Ranger confirmed that the acquisition is its twelfth since launching in early 2024.

It added that it is its fourth purchase in Ireland following KSS Fire Suppression, B-Safe Group and Aqua Fire Prevention.

The organisation noted that Hyperion Equity Partners continues to back its strategy, which includes investment in technology, people and regional infrastructure.

Operational changes following the Ranger expansion

Ranger said that Prestige Detection Systems expands the Group’s regional network in Ireland.

It reported that the location of the business will allow more coordinated scheduling across existing operations.

The organisation outlined that the wider presence improves service planning for local sites.

It added that the acquisition aligns with the Group’s plan to offer fire protection and security services on a national basis.

Relevance for sector procurement and service planners

The purchase expands Ranger’s service availability in Munster and Galway.

Procurement officers responsible for fire detection and electronic security may find that the combined network increases options for contract coverage across Irish regions.

The continuity of the Prestige Detection Systems leadership team means existing design and installation practices will remain in place, which may assist fire engineering consultants and system specifiers working with established site configurations.

Facility managers and building services engineers could see shorter response times, as Ranger stated that the expanded network reduces engineer travel distances.

The addition of active fire and electronic security capability may also affect service planning for organisations managing multi-site properties across the UK and Ireland.

The deal brings the Group to twelve acquisitions since early 2024, which indicates that further consolidation is possible within the provider market for inspection, maintenance and system installation.

Ireland issues warning over forest fire dangers amid dry spring conditions

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Forest fire warning issued following dry spring weather

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued a high fire risk warning amid dry spring conditions increase the risk of wildfires across rural areas.

The Condition Orange – High Fire Risk notice will remained in place until 19 May.

This is the seventh fire danger notice issued in 2025.

According to the department, more than 3,000 hectares of land have been affected by fire this year, primarily bog and mountain areas.

Ministers call for public and landowner vigilance

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae urged landowners and the public to avoid lighting fires and to support emergency services.

Minister Heydon said: “Given the fire risk on bog and mountain land in Spring, it is important that no one should start an illegal fire in these areas.

“Wildfires can put homes and livelihoods at direct risk, lead to unnecessary diversions of vital emergency service resources and cause considerable disruption to rural communities, wildlife and habitats.

“We have seen this unfold for real in some of our rural communities in recent weeks during the unusually dry Spring.

“Nobody should light fires in bogs, forests or other potentially flammable areas at this time of year.”

Heydon added that farming practices, supported by department-funded schemes such as ACRES, play a key role in managing fire risk.

He said: “The farming community has the most important role to play in the control of fire in our landscapes through the appropriate management of land, vegetation and potential fuels.

“Reduction and maintenance of high-risk vegetation (such as purple moor grass, heather, and gorse/whin) in high fire risk areas is critical to managing this risk.

“Some of these key preventative actions in high risk areas are directly supported through the network of schemes and European Innovation Partnership projects funded by the department, for example through ACRES.

“We are asking for everyone’s cooperation in the prevention of wildfires and to join in the protection of these lands over the coming months.”

Fire plans and contingencies urged for forest owners

Minister Healy-Rae advised forest owners and land managers to ensure readiness for fire events through updated plans and contingencies.

Healy-Rae said: “People living in rural areas should also assess wildfire risks to their properties and prepare accordingly.

“Dangerous flammable vegetation immediately around homes in high-risk areas should be removed, especially around oil tanks and other fuel stores.

“There has been a very significant increase in the use of outdoor amenities and forest recreation sites by the public in recent years, which is to be welcomed.

“However, a larger proportion of forest fires can now be attributed to recreational users and activities. Forest visitors are reminded to behave responsibly, to observe relevant local bye-laws and to park considerately so as not to impede access of emergency vehicles to incidents.”

Link between illegal activity and fire incidents highlighted

The department noted a growing link between fire ignitions and unlawful practices including illegal dumping and domestic waste burning.

Healy-Rae said: “There is a very firm link in recent years between wildfire ignitions and illegal dumping and burning of domestic waste in many areas, and malicious burning at forest amenity sites and turf bogs open to the public.

“A significant proportion of land burned to date during 2025 is land associated with turf cutting.

“My department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service.”

Ireland issues warning over forest fire dangers amid dry spring conditions: Summary

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued a Condition Orange – High Fire Risk warning until to midday Monday, 19 May.

The warning follows dry weather and is the seventh such notice in 2025.

More than 3,000 hectares of bog and mountain land have been affected by fires this year.

Minister Martin Heydon urged the public not to light fires in flammable areas.

He said farming practices are essential in reducing fire risk and noted department-supported schemes such as ACRES.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae advised forest owners to review fire plans and contingencies.

Healy-Rae asked residents in rural areas to clear flammable materials near homes.

He also noted that increased recreational site use has been linked to higher fire ignitions.

The department reported a link between wildfires and illegal dumping and burning.

The public was asked to report suspicious activity and uncontrolled fires to emergency services.

Telent’s support for Ireland’s fire services reaches decade milestone

by CommunicationsFeatured News

Ireland’s centralised fire service modernisation

Ireland’s fire services, which serve over 5 million residents, operate through 218 fire stations under 27 fire authorities.

Emergency response is coordinated via three Regional Control Centres (RCCs) as part of the Computer-Aided Mobilisation Project (CAMP).

According to Telent, prior to 2015, outdated legacy systems hindered effective communication and coordination.

These regionally independent systems caused delays in resource mobilisation and lacked interoperability.

In 2015, a centralised national model was introduced, supported by standardised GD92 and MG4 communication protocols.

This modernisation aimed to address the inefficiencies of the legacy systems and improve response operations across the country.

Telent’s role in fire alerting system implementation

Telent was selected as the technology partner in 2016 to deploy the National Fire Alerting and Communication System.

This project included upgrading station mobilisation equipment at 218 fire stations and installing Central Communication Processors (CCPs) within the RCCs.

The CCPs enable data integration and streamlined emergency dispatch, improving operational efficiency.

Telent also ensured full interoperability between all fire stations and control centres, standardising emergency response processes nationwide.

24/7 operational support for uninterrupted services

Telent established operational support centres in Dublin and Belfast to provide 24/7 technical assistance.

This ensures rapid resolution of any technical issues, enabling fire services to maintain uninterrupted emergency operations.

By implementing robust technical solutions and support frameworks, Telent has helped improve response times and resource coordination, contributing to the safety of Ireland’s population.

Renewed partnership for continued advancements

The partnership between Telent and Ireland’s fire services has been extended for another five years.

This collaboration will focus on maintaining and advancing the systems already in place.

Telent plans to continue providing first-line technical support and ensuring the reliability of emergency communication systems.

This extension underscores the importance of sustained investment in technology to support life-saving operations.

Telent continues to enhance Ireland’s fire service communications: Summary

Ireland’s fire services, managing 218 stations under 27 authorities, transitioned from outdated legacy systems to a centralised model in 2015.

Telent implemented a National Fire Alerting and Communication System, modernising mobilisation equipment and integrating data for efficient dispatch.

With operational support centres in Dublin and Belfast, Telent ensures 24/7 service continuity.

The renewed five-year partnership aims to maintain and advance these systems, bolstering Ireland’s emergency response capabilities.

Irish Government issues statement on fires in public spaces

by Featured NewsSafety

National Parks and Wildlife Service Boosts Patrols and Aerial Surveillance amid Fears for Irish Wildlife and Habitats

In a compelling appeal from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the public have been asked to refrain from sparking fires or barbecues in public areas during the forthcoming summer months. The request arises from mounting concerns over the safety of our wildlife and habitats during the hot season.

The NPWS is escalating efforts to guarantee compliance with this call, increasing their ground team numbers and escalating aerial monitoring, deploying both helicopters and drones.

‘Prevention is better than cure’

Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, shared advice with the public, underlining the need for immediate action. If a fire is detected, he insists that people should call the emergency services on 112 immediately. He further noted that the NPWS has reinforced its patrols to identify potential fire situations rapidly. But he echoed a familiar sentiment, emphasising, “prevention is better than cure,” as he encouraged citizens to steer clear of starting fires in open areas.

Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, detailed the potential damage such activities could inflict on our natural surroundings and wildlife: “Our National Parks and Nature Reserves, coastal sand dunes, mountains and upland areas, forests, meadows and urban parks…are also home to our precious wildlife and their vulnerable young,” Noonan said. He spotlighted this critical period for wildlife, notably ground-nesting birds and mammals, currently rearing their young, and advocated for responsible enjoyment of the pleasant weather, without endangering nature.

Report any fire activity without delay

The Director General of the NPWS, Niall O Donnchú, reinforced this request for public cooperation in preserving nature. Despite the increased ground crews and aerial monitoring measures initiated by the NPWS, he emphasised the vital role of public engagement. O Donnchú called upon the public to abstain from lighting fires or barbecues in National Parks, Nature Reserves, or in nature generally. Additionally, he urged the public to maintain vigilance, appealing for them to report any fire activity without delay.

As we approach the peak of the summer season, this appeal from government officials provides a sobering reminder of our shared responsibility to respect and safeguard Ireland’s cherished natural spaces.