28 more firefighters needed in Laois

There are 28 vacancies for retained firefighters across eight fire stations in Laois. 

The figures were revealed in the latest monthly management report from Laois County Council. 

“As of 12th March 2024, there are 28 permanent vacancies in the Laois retained fire service. This is based on the new complement of 100 retained firefighters (up from 75) in the eight fire stations, following the WRC Agreement,” it noted. 

However, the report noted “17 prospective new staff are currently at various stages of the recruitment process. Recruitment processes are ongoing to recruit more firefighters.” 

Meanwhile, the council revealed work on the new fire station for Stradbally is progressing and there are plans to relocate existing staff.  

“Following a procurement process, Laois County Council has appointed NODE Architecture as the Architect-led Design Team. Cathaoirleach of LCC, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, signed the contract, accompanied by Simon Walton DoS and Noel O'Dwyer of NODE Architecture, on Friday 16th February 2024. Detailed design and costing has now commenced,” the monthly management report noted.  

“As an interim measure, the existing fire station in Stradbally will relocate to the new site in the next few months, operating out of the old Civil Defence building. This is primarily to facilitate the three new staff members, as the current station on Main Street is too small and cannot cater for the increase in staffing,” according to the report. 

Elsewhere, plans are continuing to upgrade Mountmellick Fire Station. 

“Approval to go to tender for the upgrade has been sought from the NDFEM( National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management) but no approval provided to date. Part VII documents are on public display since 1st March, with a final closing date for receipt of submissions on 15th April 2024,” the council stated in the monthly management report.