WATCH: Good news update in the campaign to secure the future of Newport Fire Station
The fire station earlier this year was identified as being at risk of closure due to critically low staffing levels
There's some welcome news in the campaign to secure the future of Newport Fire Station. Concerns were raised earlier this year about the station's future because of critically low staffing levels.
In a statement issued to the Tipperary Star, Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service, which operates under the umbrella of Tipperary County Council, said recent engagement with the local community has been positive.
Following a community meeting in late April and two open days at the fire station in early May, the service said it received a very good response to its recruitment drive from people interested in becoming retained firefighters.
A spokesperson said: “We have had a very good response to our recruitment drive. The matter in relation to crew levels will be kept under review.”
At Newport Fire Station, the service would respond to between 60 and 80 calls a year on average.
At one stage, the station was operating with just three retained firefighters, well below its target crew of eight, raising fears that the station could face closure.
Speaking to the Tipperary Star, Station Officer PJ O'Brien and Sub-Station Officer James McInerney warned that the if the fire station were to close, it would have a “devastating impact” on Newport and the surrounding area, with the nearest available fire service potentially having to respond from Cappamore, Killaloe or even Limerick City.
While Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service state staffing levels will continue to be kept under review, This latest update is encouraging and offers renewed hope for the future of this vital local service.