Protesting firefighters turn up heat

Firefighters from across the country descended on Dublin yesterday to voice their opposition to proposed reductions in staffing levels on crews.

The two unions representing the country’s 3,000 part-time and full-time fire fighters are set to hold more demonstrations and Siptu, which represents most staff, is balloting for industrial action.

Organisers estimated that more than 300 fire fighters, comprising full-time staff in Dublin and representatives of part-timers from across the country, took part in the march from Parnell Street to Government Buildings.