A brand new specialist rescue vehicle based on the INEOS Grenadier 4x4 platform has been officially launched for the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) in Killarney National Park.

The vehicle, known as the INEOS Grenadier Medic, has been developed to support search and rescue operations across some of Ireland's most challenging terrain.

This new vehicle will play a key role in helping the volunteer team respond to incidents in remote mountain environments and adverse weather conditions.

KMRT is one of Ireland's longest established mountain rescue organisations, having 35 active volunteer members trained in casualty care, technical rope rescue, search management, and remote evacuation.

The INEOS Medic will strengthen the KMRT's operational ability across the mountains of Kerry and the surrounding regions.

Supplied by Orangeworks Automotive, the project forms part of an initiative to develop specialist off-road patient transport vehicles capable of bridging the gap between remote terrain, adverse weather conditions and road-based ambulance services.

The new KMRT vehicle is equipped with a wide range of operational upgrades, including:

Front, centre, and rear differential locks;
Raised air intake;
Heavy-duty 5.5t winch;
Full underbody protection;
Rock sliders;
Roof rack, auxiliary lighting, and communications capability;
Snow chains;
Fire extinguishers;
Specialised stretcher conversion;
A Starlink connectivity system to ensure reliable communications in remote locations where traditional mobile coverage is limited.

The vehicle was funded through grant support secured by KMRT, with additional equipment, operational upgrades and team training provided by Orangeworks Automotive as part of its long-term charity partnership with the team.

Members of KMRT attended the launch alongside local representatives and government ministers, including Minister for Forestry Michael Healy Rae, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, Minister Norma Foley, deputy cathaoirleach Cllr Marie Moloney, Cllr Tommy Cahill, and Cllr Niall Kelliher.