Firefighters claim inadequate funding

Ireland is lagging behind other European countries in funding its emergency services, firefighters will claim today.

The annual conference of a group representing officers will be told that the Republic’s services are being inadequately funded at a time of increased risk.

Delegates at the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) are to demand more Government money for emergency services as well as a dedicated new national agency.

They will claim Ireland had one of the highest rates of fire fatalities per person in a survey of 25 countries.

The association’s annual conference is being held in Westport, Co Mayo, and will discuss issues such as the future of the service.

Environment minister Martin Cullen is to give the opening address this morning.