Dublin Fire Brigade and SIPTU come to agreement to improve staffing levels

Dublin Fire Brigade and SIPTU have reached a deal with Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Dennis Keeley to increase staffing levels, upgrade equipment, and build new stations in a move to improve the working conditions of fire fighters.

A group consisting of TDs and councillors from across Dublin was set up to engage with the Dublin Fire Brigade, the CFO, unions and relevant local authorities.

Sinn Fein TD Paul Donnelly, who helped establish the group said: “We engaged with the fire crews and their union representatives and heard first-hand the real-life dangers and physical and mental pressure the crews were under.

“Crews were understaffed, working 12 to 14 hour shifts and sometimes with substandard equipment,” he said.

“This practice not only put the lives of our fire fighters at risk, but it also put the citizen of Dublin at risk in the case of a house fire, chemical spill or road traffic incident.

“I am glad to see that an agreement has been reached and the CFO has committed to looking at staffing levels, equipment upgrades and new stations been built, I urge all stakeholders to do their upmost to make theses necessary changes in a timely manner.”

Deputy Donnelly says that fire crews had threatened to strike if their demands were not met.

“The fact that fire crews saw no other option, but to use industrial action should serve as a wake-up call to the CFO and local authorities.

“Our fire crews are the people on the front line and their needs and requirements to provide a first-class fire service for Dublin.

“They must be recognised,” he said.

“On behalf of Dublin Sinn Féin, I wish the Dublin Fire brigade well and hope to see all of aspects of the new agreement, implemented without delay.”