MAJOR concerns are being raised that frontline services trained to tackle fire and emergency situations in Limerick city and county are to be dramatically effected by the planned introduction of recommendations made by the Department of the Environment and the proposals set out in the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management’s ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ (KCS). In light of the proposals, members of Limerick city and county fire and rescue service are to be balloted regarding notice of intent, notice to strike or industrial action as union bosses say that this will result in the loss of hundreds of front line fire fighter posts around the country as well as major change in the structure of brigade both locally and nationally.
Particularly relevant to Limerick, the report says that river rescues will now not be attended if implemented and decisions to attend incidents will be at the discretion of the local authority.
A decision on the proposed implementation is expected before the end of the month, while union members are to be balloted through postal votes by December 14 next.
Mark Hayes, Limerick representative for Irish Fire and Emergency Services at the Mulgrave Street barracks, says that the proposals, contained in the 80 page document, will drastically impact on Limerick through 20 per cent cut backs to services as well as calling for minimum manning numbers of fire fighters attending incidents. The reductions as set out in the ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ proposals include a reduction in the number of members attending certain types of emergency call outs as well as the fire brigade non-attendance at some minor matters unless requested by another agency.
Mr Hayes, a fire fighter in Limerick city Fire and Rescue Services, believes that these proposals, of which both he and IFESA are completely rejecting, will not keep communities safe, but actually put them further at risk if frontline services are reduced or removed in some instances. IFESA are calling for a National Fire Fighter Service for the country and propose that it will in turn provide cost saving measures that will not effect frontline services.
John Kidd, national chairman (IFESA) said that, “these plans if implemented will see fire fighter numbers reduced and fire stations closed, this in turn will compromise the safety of the public and communities throughout the country.”
Fire and Rescue Service unions say that without a proper unified risk assessment basis of which all stations work to, there is great potential to create significant dangers for communities and their members. They are again calling on Minister for Environment Phil Hogan to withdraw these proposals while the reasons for the deaths of two firefighters in Bray remains unknown some five years on.
With the amalgamation of the city and county fire and rescue services in conjunction with the merging of the city and county local authorities, the report calls for a drop from 12 to nine members attending. The report indicates that the cuts are in the region of 20 per cent through these proposed changes and implementation of the ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ report and there will be
The report goes on to say that, “there are certain situations where it is not considered appropriate for fire services resources to be deployed. These include; ambulance assistance, unmoored boat adrift; activation of burglar alarms; incidents involving explosives, suspect devices unless requested by another authority; lock ins or lock outs where no life is at risk; medical emergencies; missing persons or mountain rescues unless requested by the Gardai to attend in support; railway incidents and the rescue of animals.”
The final draft of Keeping Communities Safe report says that these incidents should be handled by other “more appropriate” authorities and indicates that the Fire and Rescue Services could then focus their efforts on “core operational services” for all brigades.
John Kidd, IFESA chairman says that nationally, “As professional Fire Fighters we have an obligation to inform and highlight serious concerns that exist that would endanger the safety of citizens and fire fighters who serve them.
IFESA National Vice Chairman, Ros Mac Cobb said; “It is the strong view of the majority of fire fighters throughout the country that the Department of Environment Community & Local Government National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is failing in its duty of care to the public and the fire fighters who protect them.”
Mr Mac Cobb said there was no consistency in the standards of Health and Safety in the Fire Service around the country.
“The evidence is there and has been highlighted in the past. Fire fighters have been injured and killed and still these breaches continue. One fire fighter death is one death too many,” he said.
