A €1.5 million fire truck has been custom-built to respond to blazes, rescues and chemical spills in Dublin's new Port Tunnel.
The hi-tech vehicle boasts specialist equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, a foam pumping system and chemical suits.
About 200 firefighters drawn from North Strand, Finglas and Kilbarrack fire stations have also taken part in specific training drills on tunnels in Britain, France, Austria and Switzerland.
The rapid response vehicle, which can carry nine fire officers compared to the usual five, is also stocked with customised stretchers and hi-tech breathing apparatuses.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer at North Strand fire station, Richie Hedderman, played a major role in training fire officers, testing equipment and designing the vehicle.
Mr Hedderman told the current edition of Firecall magazine: "Everything we learned in Switzerland was very good in Switzerland but we really need to be able to apply that training to the Dublin Port Tunnel.
"With the comprehensive training, as well as the new vehicle, we're prepared for pretty much every situation."
The fire truck's CAFS 200 compressed air foam pumping system is the only one of its kind in Ireland and possibly in Europe.
It mixes compressed air with water and foam to allow a firefighter to knock down a blaze faster.
Mr Hedderman said: "If you travel into the tunnel you cannot use water to extinguish an oil fire. You need to change over to foam. This system can tackle all categories of fire including oil, kerosene and solvents."
After several delays and budget over-runs, the €753 million Port Tunnel is due to open in November.