Laois County Council have advertised a new additional Assistant Chief Fire Officer role amid a high demand for Laois County Fire and Rescue services.

The role has a starting annual salary from €60,255 minimum, rising to €83,758 based on long service increments (LSI).

Over the past number of months, Laois County Council has been running recruitment campaigns for retained fire fighters across the county.

Speaking with the Leinster Express / Laois Live, the Council say that the new assistant chief role was created due to high demand.

Pictured: Fire services respond to the 2025 fire in Maryborough Village estate, Portlaoise. Photo: Leinster Express

"The position emerges from a significant increase in fire safety certificate applications, increased need for fire safety inspections, assessment requirements for event and venue licencing applications together with ongoing fire safety queries, observations and complaints," a representative said.

There are currently 93 retained fire fighters across the county, with seven vacant positions available. The Council are recruiting to bring the county's staffing levels to 100, as required.

"Recruitment continues for the remaining Retained Fire Fighter vacancies, to bring all our stations up to agreed staffing levels," the Council said.

"Interest is strong, with approximately 25 retained fire fighter positions filled over the past 18 months."

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer role advertised will operate under the direction of and report to the Senior Fire Officer of the section to which they are assigned. Initially this will be within the Fire Prevention section.

The Council have said that the role requires a 'clear knowledge and understanding' of local authority services and its key stakeholders and relationships, local government structures and its democratic role and mandate, current local government issues, future trends and strategic direction of the sector, management and implementation of change, and Public Works Contracts.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer shall also report to the Director of Service of the section to which they are assigned or any other person designated by the Director of Service. 

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Laois County Fire and Rescue Service advertises a family friendly work practice with flexible working hours. Training is provided.

On April 7, the Leinster Express / Laois Live reported the allocation of €6 million in funding for two fire stations in Laois.

Rathdowney and Stradbally fire stations are currently unfit for purpose, providing cramped and unsuitable facilities for fire officers. Both towns are set to receive new state of the art fire stations.

In December of 2025, Laois County Fire and Rescue Service received two new fire engines based on Scania chassis, built by Irish company Sidhean Te.