Local MLA expresses serious concerns at planned Fire Services cuts

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has raised serious concerns at planned cuts to fire and rescue services here.

He was commenting after the service announced plans to cut crews in a number of areas including Armagh to deal with budgetary pressures.

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“It is deeply concerning that service crews in a number of towns across the north will move from full-time to part-time,” the MLA  said.

“Plans for other areas to move from part-time to full-time crews are also likely to be shelved as part of these cuts.

“There could also be implications not only for the fire service’s ability to react to emergency calls – which increased by 5.6% in 2018/19 – but also to vital fire inspection work by moving personnel to fill the gaps created.

“Ultimately this could put public safety and the safety of fire-fighters at risk,” he insisted.

“The Department of Health with responsibility for funding the fire and rescue service must engage meaningfully with the service and with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

The Sinn Féin MLA added, “Sinn Féin will also meet with representatives from the FBU to discuss in full the potential implications of these cuts.”

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Posted by NewryTimes News on Aug 5 2019. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry