Aontú representative for Mayo, Paul Lawless, has spoken out to support the current strike action by fire fighters around Ireland, stating: “Retained firefighters are invaluable to our communities but are underpaid and overworked. Without their service, there would be devastating impacts on the safety of local towns and villages.
"The retained fire service is fundamentally important to communities across Mayo because unlike urban Ireland, Mayo relies 100% on retained firefighters as all of the 12 fire stations in the county are retained fire stations, and are made up entirely of men and women who are employed on a temporary part-time retained basis. Retained Firefighters are the lifeblood of the fire service in Mayo.”
Lawless continued: “Retained firefighters must remain within three kilometers of their stations for a base payment of €8,500 annually. This works out at about 95 cents per hour. Retained firefighters are essentially being asked to live under level 5 covid restrictions indefinitely with little opportunity to take their leave entitlements due to staffing issues. Moreover, the commitment and dedication required means it is incredibly difficult to secure secondary employment.
"There are a number of retirements due in the coming months in the retained fire service in Mayo, we will need young people to take those positions. At present who will take those positions?
"The Government must act to ensure the retained fire service is a viable career choice to protect the future of the retained fire service, and the communities they protect. We in Aontú are calling on the Government to provide fair pay and conditions for retained firefighters. The Minister must act quickly to ensure the strike does not escalate further which could leave large parts of rural areas exposed,” concluded Lawless.
