Dublin Fire Brigade to begin industrial action over dispatch system safety concerns

SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade have served notice of industrial action due to serious safety concerns over the introduction of a new call-out and dispatch system.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is attempting to impose this Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system onto DFB without consultation.

SIPTU Organiser, Geoff McEvoy, said: “Our members are seriously concerned that the proposed implementation of this new CAD system will severely undermine the effectiveness of emergency services in the Dublin area. Entrusted with protecting the safety of the public, they believe this action by the Department will endanger lives. As a result, 97% of Dublin Fire Brigade members, firefighters and officers, have voted in favour of industrial action.

“This dispute has come about from the complete failure of officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consult with the frontline experts on emergency service delivery in Dublin.”

SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade Convenor, Luke McCann, said: “Every emergency service has a CAD system, which allows call takers to see where resources are and mobilise them effectively. The Department wants every fire brigade on one national CAD system. The problem is this system will only cover fire and rescue calls, not ambulance services. Its extension to Dublin will have severe consequences, because Dublin Fire Brigade also provides vital ambulance and paramedic services.

“The Fire Based Emergency Medical Service allows fire and ambulance resources to be dispatched simultaneously and provides critical lifesaving care in daily emergencies, including high-profile incidents such as the tragic attack on schoolchildren in Parnell Square in November 2023. In that case, paramedics were on site within minutes because a Dublin Fire Brigade resource was nearby. The new system would not allow for this level of response, adding a dangerous new risk factor to the system.”

He added: “We raised these concerns with the Minister previously. And there are serious questions to be asked about decision making in the Department. How such a flawed proposal has progressed without proper consultation with frontline staff is deeply alarming.”

McEvoy added: “It is beyond belief that the Department would try to introduce a national system without giving any thought to the largest part of the work done by the largest brigade in the country.”