A new specialist rescue vehicle based on the Ineos Grenadier 4×4 platform has been officially launched for Kerry Mountain Rescue Team 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.
It will play a key role in helping the volunteer team respond to incidents in remote mountain environments and adverse weather conditions.
Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, one of Ireland’s longest established mountain rescue organisations, has 35 active volunteer members trained in casualty care, technical rope rescue, search management and remote evacuation.
The new vehicle strengthens the team’s operational capability across the mountains of Kerry and surrounding regions.
The Ineos Medic was supplied by Orangeworks Automotive following a competitive tender process in 2025. The project forms part of a broader 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 Grenadier platform was selected following extensive evaluation and field testing due to its durability, off-road capability and suitability for specialist rescue operations.
The vehicle is designed to safely transport casualties from remote locations to road access points where they can be transferred to fully equipped Ambulance vehicles for onward treatment.
The Kerry Mountain Rescue vehicle is equipped with a wide range of operational upgrades, including front, centre, and rear differential locks, raised air intake, heavy-duty 5.5-tonne winch, full underbody protection, rock sliders, roof rack, auxiliary lighting and communications capability.
Additional equipment includes snow chains, fire extinguishers, specialised stretcher conversion and a Starlink connectivity system to ensure reliable communications in remote locations where traditional mobile coverage is limited.
As part of the overall partnership, Orangeworks Automotive is providing full Adverse Weather Driver Training for Kerry Mountain Rescue volunteers to ensure the team can operate the vehicle safely and effectively in extreme terrain and severe weather conditions.
The vehicle was funded through grant support secured by Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, 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 Kerry Mountain Rescue including John Hussey and Mike Finn attended the launch alongside local representatives and government ministers.
