'Crisis' in Laois Fire Service an opportunity for ambulance service, says union official

A union official believes the ‘crisis’ facing fire services in Laois could pose a real opportunity for local ambulance services. 

SIPTU’s Brendan O’Brien was speaking after Retained Firefighters voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over pay and conditions. 

The SIPTU Sector Organiser said in Laois SIPTU has 62 Retained Firefighters across stations in Portlaoise, Portarlington,  Mountmellick, Rathdowney, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Mountrath and Stradbally. 

They were among the almost 2,000 SIPTU members to vote overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action nationwide. 

“The Retained Fire Service is now at a critical stage with many firefighters seeking to leave the service and Local Authorities are struggling to recruit and retain new staff,” said Mr O’Brien. 

He explained that a reduced number of callouts has seen a reduction in wages for the retained staff. As the job of Retained Firefighter has become less attractive, a shortage in staff has resulted in members being unable to take leave. 

The situation is so bad that 60% of Retained Firefighters, who have to live within five minutes of a fire station, are planning to leave the service in the next three years, according to Mr O’Brien. He said the "retention crisis" has "exposed both our firefighter members and the public to heightened risks". 

“Take Portlaoise, if you cast your mind back to when the Covid came and restricted it to a five kilometre limit, that is what they(Retained Firefighters) have to do all the time,” said Mr O’Brien.  

However, he believes there is now an opportunity for Retained Firefighters to play a vital role as first responders in medical emergencies. Mr O’Brien said such a move would alleviate pressure on the ambulance service and see his members earn extra for more callouts. 

He said ambulance response times are way down and there are “2,000 firefighters and a network of stations across the country” who could assist. 

“We have the experience and capabilities to do that, to give support to the National Ambulance Service(NAS) and give support to our members,” said Mr O’Brien. 

He called for some joined up thinking between the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

Mr O’Brien said SIPTU is going to meet with Department officials at the end of the month. If they don’t reach an agreement he couldn’t rule out industrial action in February. 

Laois TD Brian Stanley believes it is time to implement the recommendations of a Department of Local Government. 

“In Laois Offaly there have been problems trying to recruit new Fire Fighters and Local Authorities have struggled to fill these positions. The problems are compounded by the fact that some staff have left the service. This has led to a situation where crews in some of the 13 fire Stations have become depleted,” said Deputy Stanley. 

“The Government and Minister O’Brien now need to move as a matter of urgency and implement the recommendations in that report, in particular the ones in relations to the terms and conditions of employment,’’ he said. 

“I have met with representatives of the Fire Services in the constituency on a number of occasions, and it is clear to me if Government does not take quick action to address the issues that are affecting their members, local services in rural counties like Laois Offaly will have problems manning local stations,” said Deputy Stanley.