Calls In Clare For Urgent Improvement Of Retained Fire Fighter Working Conditions

Calls are being made in Clare for urgent Government intervention to maintain a vital branch of the emergency services. It comes as Ireland's retained firefighters who comprise two thirds of the country's total force have balloted for industrial action to address concerns over a recruitment and retention crisis in the sector. From Tuesday next week, the responders will only provide cover for emergency call outs in a bid to secure favourable pay and definitive working hours. Kilkee-based Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy says the government desperately needs to intervene to ensure the future recruitment and retention of highly skilled staff in a vital emergency service.