Clare councillors call on government for firefighter funding

CLARE councillors are calling on the government to provide funding for retained firefighters in local areas.

At the latest Clare County Council meeting, council members discussed the possibility of additional government funding to accommodate the lifesaving work that retained firefighters do. 

The definition of a retained firefighter is a person who does not work in a fire station full-time, but is paid to spend long periods of time on call to respond to a range of emergencies. 

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Retained firefighters are part time volunteers within local communities and there are approximately 2,000 in Ireland. They are on call 24/7 for 365 days a year.

Council members expressed disappointment that their annual stipend starts at €8,000 per annum, plus call out payments.

“In recognition of the critically important local services our retained firefighters provide to the communities we represent; we call on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Minister for Public Expenditure to provide the funding necessary to sustain and enhance the Retained Fire Service now and for future generations.”

The members stated that they believe the government can and should make a special case for improved conditions for our retained fire fighters.

P. Dowling, Chief Executive stated that he is precluded from going into detail and concurred with the sentiment regarding the role and function firefighters fulfil. 

Mr. Dowling stated that the LGMA are centrally involved at national level and stated that he looked forward to a resolution.