Firefighter cutbacks 'will cost lives'

The Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association has said it is concerned over potential cuts in the numbers of frontline staff.

It comes after recent consultation documents were released by the Department of the Environment.

The IFESA said the documents pointed to plans to cut the number of firefighters by hundreds nationwide, and by up to 200 alone in Dublin Fire Brigade.

It warns the move will result in the loss of lives and said the spirit of the Croke Park agreement was to deliver a better public service to the people of Ireland.