It was established in 1951 in response to the threat of nuclear disaster posed by the atomic bomb following World War II.

[2] Civil Defence Ireland was established in 1951 in response to the threat of nuclear disaster posed by the atomic bomb.

It was envisaged as a community based self-help organisation that could provide protection for the civilian population during times of war.

One of its first notable roles following its foundation was to assist refugees fleeing violence in Northern Ireland as a result of The Troubles.

Volunteers were equipped and trained to monitor radiation levels that may occur in the event of a nuclear disaster.

A greater emphasis has since been placed on the role of civil defence to provide support within their communities in particular during major events and emergencies.

During the 2000s and 2010s civil defence played a major role in assisting during severe weather events such as storms and flooding.

During the Winter months, the welfare service provides a homeless shelter in Dublin at their base, staffed with volunteers from across Ireland.

The college serves to provide potential instructors with a level of education that will allow them to teach classes of volunteers to be competent in their service's skills.

Civil Defence also operates a national training centre located to the rear of Ratra House in Dublin.

Volunteer members make themselves available to attend training throughout the year and may participate in local and national exercises to test their skills.

Volunteers are also expected to participate in duties in their local community often providing services at sporting, music and cultural events.

Many of the vehicles have all-terrain capabilities such as Land Rover Defender/Mercedes G Class field ambulances, Bedford and Iveco four-wheel drive lorries and Hägglund & Söner Bandvagn 206 personnel carriers.

Standard vehicles such as emergency ambulances, support units and class B fire appliances are also available for use by their respective services.

Civil defence volunteers and officers wear two main standard configurations of uniforms within the organisation, namely the Service Dress No.

Due to budgetary restrictions in recent years, volunteers are only to be issued a No.1 dress uniform when the need arises.

While all members wear the workwear uniform while on duty, specialist personnel may be issued with personal protection equipment for their role.