At the time of going to press, Athlone fire station remained closed this week due to the ongoing retained firefighters’ dispute which has resulted in approximately 50 percent of fire stations non-operational on a rolling basis.
Those retained firefighters who are members of SIPTU were joined on the picket line in Athlone this week by Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, who continues to offer his full support for their current plight.
Despite the ongoing firefighters’ dispute SIPTU has reassured the local public that all emergency call-outs will receive attention.
Speaking this week, SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin, said that members members have warned for some time that this strike action will result in very serious disruption to services.
“However, they have been left with no option but to commence it as the very future of the service is in doubt if the current crisis in recruitment and retention of firefighters is not resolved,” Ms O’Loughlin stated.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, stated that SIPTU members in the retained fire service are serious and will escalate their industrial action to a full all out strike on June 20.
“If the measures that are necessary to safeguard the future operation of this vital resource are not implemented, then all out strike will commence on June 20,” Mr O’Brien added.
The retained fire service is a 2,000 strong part-time workforce which provides fire and first responder emergency services across the country.
