Tag Archives: Fire service

THE difficulty recruiting full time firefighters has the potential to leave the town exposed in an emergency with one councillor calling the situation “alarming”. It is understood that on a recent weekend just four firefighters were available for duty in Shannon. Such low numbers could have meant the service was well below what is required, but arrangements were made to bring firefighters from other areas to Shannon. Councillor Donna McGettigan said it is imperative that the situation improve. “To have so few in a town with an airport and chemical factories, it is very alarming. There must be a lot of stress on the staff too to cover shortages, and they’re under immense pressure.” She said that the reason for the lack of cover goes beyond the Council. “I know they have been trying their best to recruit, but something needs to be done to make sure it is done. I can’t blame them here, they have been trying, but …

CLARE’S two Independent TDs spoke in support of firefighters in the Dáil this week, urging Government to address their issues. A group of Clare firefighters recently voted in favour of industrial action and Deputy Violet Anne Wynne said that there are real problems facing people in the service. “I spoke to a representative from SIPTU today on this issue and they painted a picture of the seriousness of the situation which is beyond bleak – the word “dangerous” would be more apt. “Firefighters are heroes and national treasures. That is especially apparent in rural communities such as in my constituency of Clare. They are often the first responders and play a vital role in keeping our people safe. “In recent years the job has not been attractive enough. We know that 60% are planning to leave and I would say that most are staying due to the loyalty they have to the service and to each other.” Ms Wynne added, …

THE fire service in Clare had to respond to four bonfires on Halloween night, one in Shannon and the other three in the Cloughleigh area of Ennis. A spokesperson for Clare County Council said there was some trouble in dealing with the Cloughleigh bonfires. “Yes, there was opposition to the fire service when we arrived in Cloughleigh, however procedures were in place to deal with such incidents and the Fire Service worked with An Garda Síochána to respond to the calls.” Councillor Mary Howard said that many people had fun on Halloween night and children enjoyed trick or treating, but the type of anti social behaviour seen at Cloughleigh cannot be tolerated. “That kind of behaviour cannot continue. It is wrong and it has to be stamped out,” she said. “It’s a night that everyone should be able to enjoy and to be in a safe environment. Parents or whoever is in charge of those young people need to be …

Public compliance ‘undoubtedly saved lives’ CLARE all but closed down on Tuesday afternoon as Storm Barra saw a red alert imposed across the county. Schools across Clare were shut on both Tuesday and Wednesday, while thousands of people, especially in the North and West of the county, were without power for a period of time. While there were a number of trees down, the level of damage wasn’t as severe as many had feared, and certainly didn’t rival Storms Christine and Darwin, which wreaked havoc in 2014. However, Chief Fire Officer with Clare County Council Adrian Kelly said that the precautions taken by the public had been crucial in preventing loss of life. “The widespread compliance with the ‘stay at home’ Status Red alert in Clare alert undoubtedly saved lives given the extent of fallen trees and flying debris around the county. The closing of schools and businesses, together with the safety messaging both locally and nationally greatly helped to …

THE turnover of Clare’s retained firefighters is “like a revolving door” with 47 people leaving the service since 2016, a meeting of Clare County Council was told this week. However, council CEO Pat Dowling has insisted “Clare Fire and Rescue Service is not in a state of crisis.” Councillor Liam Grant, who works as a retained firefighter in Ennistymon, outlined that a full crew at Killaloe fire station would usually consist of nine firefighters but there are just seven at the moment. “There’s a lot of pressure being put on those seven and if they don’t get back-up, I’m full sure some will resign. When fully staffed we have 75 retained firefighters in the county. Since 2016, 47 people have left the fire service in Clare that weren’t at retirement age. We’ve had a turnover of about 60% in the last few years. It wasn’t because they retired, they just didn’t want to do it anymore. This is not sustainable”. He …

THE demands placed on emergency call operators and Clare County Fire and Rescue Service during the COVID-19 emergency has led to a call for landowners being warned to “cease-and-desist all controlled burning immediately”. Considering the ongoing Covid-19 national emergency and in the lead up to vegetation fire season, Clare’s chief fire officer Adrian Kelly advised all landowners that controlled burning will no longer be accepted. Mr Kelly said controlled burning should not take place “under any circumstances, until further notice is given.”    “Should landowners ignore this notice and proceed to carry out any burning and a 999-emergency call is received relating to a fire on their property, then the fire service will be mobilised to attend and extinguish the fire. In addition to this all the costs associated with the attendance of the fire service will be invoiced to the property owner,” stated the fire chief.  The fire service warning comes as units of the Fire Brigade from Kilkee and …

THE fire service and Kilrush Gardaí attended the scene of a fire at the dilapidated Inis Cathaigh hotel in Kilrush on Tuesday night. It is understood that the fire started in the second floor and spread to the third. Three units of the fire service from Kilrush and Kilkee used breathing apparatus at the scene. It is believed that extensive damage has been caused to the disused building. Frances Street in the town was closed to traffic, while the fire service attended the scene. The hotel, which incorporated a nightclub, has been closed for many years and has fallen into a state of disrepair. It is located at the bottom of Frances Street with idyllic views of Kilrush Marina.

Mayor of Clare Tom McNamara, today (Friday) presented Clare County Fire and Rescue Service with 166 sets of next generation fire kits for firefighters. The Fire Action Matrix X-treme kits were acquired from Hunter Apparel Solutions Limited at a cost of €243,000 and represent the latest in a number of positive developments for the local fire service. Earlier this year, construction works began on upgrading and extending Kilkee Fire Station as part of a €661,000 investment in modernising the facilities for the local fire brigade. The fire service recently took delivery of high pressure lifting bags at a cost of €66,000 to enhance the response to road based incidents. The fire service is also awaiting final approval to order a new Class B Fire Appliance costing €340,000 for expected delivery in 2019. Mayor McNamara said, “The new protective clothing will continue to provide crews with the best protection they have ever had at incidents. The high quality specification underlines Clare …