Firefighter industrial action 'poses increased risk to safety of public and firefighters'

Retained firefighters at Kinsale Fire Station in West Cork picket on Wednesday. Picture: Andy Gibson

The recent decision by Siptu to escalate industrial action and close half of the country's fire stations on a rotational basis is "disproportionate" and poses an "increase in risk to the safety of the public and to the safety of firefighters", the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has said.

On Wednesday, retained firefighters resumed strike action after voting to reject a Labour Court recommendation aimed at resolving an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions.