Half of the retained firefighters in the country are picketing today, in a row over pay and conditions.
The action is being taken, after protracted talks between the workers and the Department of Housing have failed to reach any agreement.
Emergency cover was halted at 100 stations at midnight last night, and that includes stations in Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Crossmolia, Swinford and Ballina today.
Both Belmullet and Achill stations are half staffed from today, while five other fire stations in county Mayo remain fully staffed today. Retention fire fighters at the five staffed stations today will be on the picket line tomorrow while those on the picket line today will be on duty again tomorrow, in a rolling strike action.
The closures are set extend to all stations next week if the outstanding issues over structured time-off and pay are not addressed.
The retention fire fighters are calling for an increase in the base rate of pay and say failure to address issues such as recruitment and pensions could result in the permanent closure of fire stations across the country.
Midwest News editor Teresa O’Malley spoke to three picketing retention fire fighters at Castlebar fire station this morning – Jarlath McHale, James Grealis and Sean Heneghan…. Jarlath began by explaining why they are taking this action…
The Transport Minister believes working conditions for fire fighters need to improve, to ensure the job works for them.
200 stations could go on strike next Tuesday, which would have major impact on emergency services.
Minister Eamon Ryan says a resolution is in the hands of Minister Darragh O’Brien: