TIME FOR POLITICIANS TO DEFEND COMMUNITIES AGAINST ‘KEEPING COMMUNITIES SAFE' POLICY CUTS TO FIRE SERVICES – IFESA

KCS Policy putting public and communities at risk

The Irish Fire & Emergency Services Association (IFESA) today (Thursday, 7 th Feb.) expressed serious concern at the continued efforts by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan to cut the service provision in the Irish Fire Service.

IFESA National Chairman, John Kidd said the ‘Keeping Communities Safe (KCS)' plan drawn up by the Department's National Directorate for Fire Emergency Management will result in the loss of frontline fire-fighter posts and close fire stations.

IFESA said the full implementation of KCS plan will result in the loss of hundreds of front line fire fighter posts around the country with up to 100 posts to be lost in Dublin Fire Brigade alone. This will have a direct knock on effect on the safety of the public and communities throughout the country.

‘You cannot have fewer fire-fighters, fewer appliances and fewer fire stations without having a significant impact on fire safety and an increased risk to the public and local communities. More cuts will mean slower response times to emergencies, putting life and property at greater risk.'

‘The frontline fire and emergency service is not being protected and is being decimated. IFESA as the representative organisation for fire fighters is determined to highlight the dangers to our communities and fire-fighters caused by the implementation of KCS. It is time for our politicians to ‘wake up' to the full impact of KCS policy on their communities.'

‘The fire and rescue service is a service to be proud of. We are calling on all politicians to listen to the voice of professional fire-fighters across the country and protect the safety of communities against the cuts in service being introduced with the implementation of KCS policy.'

‘The dedication and training of professional fire-fighters and their commitment to the safety of the public must be protected and defended. IFESA has already balloted its members on industrial action should the Minister continue with the implementation of the KCS policy, with 94% voting in favour of industrial action. IFESA will be acting on this mandate in the coming weeks.' ENDS

Media Contacts: John Kidd , National Chairperson IFESA 087 6588999/Ros Mac Cobb , National Vice Chairperson IFESA 087 2164533 /

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