FF councillor threatens to resign party whip at fire station closure protest

Offaly Fianna Fáil councillor Sinead Moylan Ryan said today that she will resign the party whip if the local authority votes to close down the firestations in Banagher and Daingean.

Amid angry scenes outside Aras an Chontae in Tullamore today, protesters from the two communities demanded that councillors vote to retain the facilities.

There is also calls from the protesters for Director of Services Frank Heslin to face a motion of no confidence.

However Fine Gael's Nicola Hogan says it is not possible as he is not an elected member.

“I am going to demand that Banagher [fire station] be reinstated today,” said Councillor Ryan.

“I am part of the Fianna Fáil group, and I will be 100% behind Banagher whether I’m in it or out of it.”