Firefighter association warns of 'huge wastage' in service

Firefighters have said that there are "huge levels of wastage" in the fire service.

The Irish Fire and Emergency Service Association is organising a protest at Dáil Eireann this afternoon.

Chairman of the IFESA, John Kidd, has said the service needs a radical overhaul.

Mr Kidd said: "We believe there is a chance here for change, we believe the Irish public have a right to understand what is going on, it is their fire service, not mine.

"They closed three part-time stations in county Offaly to save €100,000. The insurance in that part of county Offaly for all households and businesses went up by €1.7m, yet there are seven assistant chiefs for five part-time stations."