Two Co Waterford fire stations face closure over pay issues, council warns

Both stations require nine firefighters to be on standby on a round-the-clock basis, but it is understood just two are available in Portlaw

The difficulty generally in recruiting and keeping retained firefighters is an issue across the country, but a local councillor has put it down to the practice of employing entirely voluntary crews in Waterford's rural stations.

Two fire stations in Co. Waterford may be shut due to difficulties trying to retain firefighters, the local authority has warned.

The risk of Kilmacthomas and Portlaw fire stations closing has been branded a "failure of management" by a local councillor, as a retention crisis means firefighters from other stations are being drafted in to respond to blazes.