Concern that proposed fire brigade cutbacks are precursor to cutting personnel in rural areas-Mc Hugh

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh has expressed concern that the proposals produced by the Fire and Rescue Service within their NIFRS Integrated Risk Management Plan to reduce fire appliances in 12 locations including the second fire appliance in Castlederg as an attempt to pave the way for cutbacks in Fire Brigade personnel in rural areas.

He said,
“These proposals areas are sheer lunacy as it will negate the capability of local fire personnel to deal with major incidents like house fires in this area where more than one appliance is required.

“If the NIFRS Integrated Management Plan is not rescinded then lives in rural areas across the counties will be lost. We are being told that the reduction of second fire appliances from 12 locations will not be matched by a corresponding reduction in Fire Brigade personnel.

“However, the concern locally is that the withdrawal of secondary Fire Engines is a but a precursor to cuts in Fire Brigade personnel in rural areas. As there would be little or no financial saving to the fire service in withdrawing equipment from a station then there is a growing belief this move by the NIFRS is a pretence to justify lay offs down the line.

“It is therefore crucial that everyone in the community is mobilized in opposition to these proposals. Strabane District councillors are requesting that NIFRS representatives appear before Council to clarify their position and we will be taking our lead from the Fire Brigade Union in formulating our opposition to these absurd and highly dubious proposals.