An extension to the remit of the Tallaght-based fire service as far as Leixlip and Naas in Co Kildare has led to concern being expressed at a meeting of South Dublin County Council.
At its monthly meeting yesterday, the council heard the fire service’s East Regional Control Centre had already extended the coverage of Tallaght fire station. Councillors were told one of the two fire tenders based in Tallaght is now available on a “first responder role” for parts of Kildare on either side of the N7.
Farther south, Tallaght also has a “second responder” role to provide a tender for call-outs as far south as parts of Naas town. Under the new arrangements, Tallaght has additionally been given a second responder role for parts of Leixlip in north Co Kildare.
This is in addition to the current coverage provided from Tallaght station covering Tallaght, Clondalkin and Lucan. Councillors were told both Tallaght tenders could also be called out to battle fires in parts of south Dublin city.
Council staff said the addition of adjacent parts of Co Kildare would add just 0.5 per cent to call-out activity expected from Tallaght. Officials said the fire services were nominally named by their county, but it was “a national service”.
Deep concerns
Cathaoirleach Donal Looney (Lab) said staff in Tallaght had deep concerns about resources and safety implications of the move. Tallaght station was one of the busiest in Ireland and he called on Kildare County and Dublin City Council, as the regional administrator of the fire service, to reconsider.
While South Dublin County Council did not administer the service, it did pay for it and it was entitled to be heard.
