Major issues highlighted by independent councillor on firemen's picket line

Independent councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig had slammed the Government's inaction on the firefighters' issue saying there were major issues, outside of injury on possible death while serving the community, that people in power did not appreciate fully.

"This morning I stood for a couple of hours in full solidarity with our firefighters who, have taken a very reluctant, but yet important stand. This is for the betterment of not just the firefighters themselves but for our community and the future of our fire service.  

"It is clearly Fianna Fáil agus Fine Gael that has left our fire crews no other choice but to take this principled and important stand.   

"As a local councillor I thoughtI had a fair idea of the daily comings and goings that the fire crew faces. Having talked to workers today and after hearing their stories I absolutely clearly did not fully understand anywhere near what staff and family go through." 

He highlighted a few of the issues he came across while talking to the picket line.

"They can't get a mortgage while working full time as a firefighter, working on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, having to walk out while out for your wedding anniversary dinner, missing your daughter's football final, your son's big school play, being unable to be left at home just you and your newborn baby because you are always on call and many many more story and all for €1.20c an hour."

Cllr Mac Gioilla Easbuig added that the State needs to resolve this issue immediately and councilors must push to fill all the posts that are vacant all across the country.

"As we stand today An Fál Carrach only has three firefighters working, this is not acceptable for it is our community that they protect day and night. Thank you to all our firefighters," he added.