ABBEYFEALE Fire Station is set to close for an estimated three-week period due to a number staff being unavailable for work due to illness, it has emerged this week.
Limerick City and County Council has confirmed that five of the fire fighters based in Abbeyfeale have been unable to report to duty due to illness. As health and safety requirements dictate that a minimum complement must be present to maintain operations at a Fire Station, the local authority says it has taken the decision to temporarily close the Station from 5pm this Friday for a period of approximately three weeks.
All incidents normally responded to by the Abbeyfeale Fire Brigade, which receives an average of 90 emergency call-outs each year, will be dealt with by Brigades in Listowel, Newcastle West and Castleisland Fire Stations.
“The decision to temporarily close Abbeyfeale fire station is in accordance with health and safety requirements, but we are satisfied that sufficient and appropriate fire cover is being provided by the three neighbouring stations in Listowel, Newcastle West and Castleisland,” explained Michael Ryan, Chief Fire Officer.
Mr. Ryan added: “Listowel and Newcastle West are located 16 and 21 km from Abbeyfeale and therefore, the Fire Service is satisfied that all response times to emergency incidents will not be significantly impacted by this temporary situation.”
“The period of cover is approximately three weeks after which time normal service will be resumed. I am particularly grateful to Kerry County Fire and Rescue Service for providing additional cover during this period,” he concluded.
Abbeyfeale is one of seven Fire Stations in Limerick. The six remaining stations are located in Newcastle West, Kilmallock, Rathkeale, Cappamore, Foynes and Limerick City (Mulgrave Street).
