Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Lack of resources for Dublin Fire Brigade is putting lives at risk-Doolan

Published: 12 December, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has said that, "lack of resources for Dublin Fire Brigade is putting lives at risk."

Speaking today, Cllr. Doolan said:

"I can only describe as deadly dangerous the lack of planning put in to the Dublin Fire Brigade. I have had 2 meetings with senior fire fighters here in Dublin and I am shocked at the evidence presented to me. Following one of the meetings I agreed to raise the issues with the City Manager, the responses I received were wholly unacceptable. It is at best a band aid solution at worst an ostrich approach, bury your head in the sand in the hope everything will be ok. But I for one will not accept this approach.

"The 4 local authorities in Dublin must, as a matter of urgency, carry out a city wide Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with government legislation. This will determine what resources, personnel, finance and training must be allocated to our city. Unfortunately to date, the management refuse to carry out this essential Fire Risk Assessment. As Dublin continues to grow and develop so should the Fire Brigade who protect the residents and their property, but since there has been no Risk Assessment carried out the Fire Brigade can not meet the new demands from a developing city.
"It has also become clear that Dublin Fire Brigade could not even partake in any of the European wide civil responses to recent humanitarian disasters simply because no adequate training or funding was provided.
I will be meeting with Dublin Fire Brigade officials and trade union representatives again this week. I will continue to work with them until the demand for full and adequate cover for this city is met. "

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan called on, "the City Manger to commission a Fire Risk Assessment immediately before this city is forced to deal with a disaster it is not prepared for."