Government policy on fire service fails to tackle weaknesses, say officers

Sean McCarthaigh, Cavan

The Chief Fire Officers' Association yesterday strongly criticised the decision by Environment Minister, Dick Roche, to rule out the establishment of a National Fire and Civil Protection Authority.

The creation of such a body which would have responsibility for ensuring the co-ordinated development of fire, civil protection and emergency services across the country was the main recommendation contained in a 2002 report on how to reform the fire service.