Council makes €500,000 from fire brigade charges

DUBLIN City Council has made €500,000 in the last 13 months from its controversial decision to charge businesses for fire-brigade services.

The levies came into effect in January 2003 amid severe criticism from the business community in the capital.

Businesses are charged a €500 call-out charge for the first hour and €400 per fire tender for each additional hour. The bill can rise depending on the amount of water or foam used and if hazardous substances are involved.