The country's largest union, Siptu, tonight called for an independent inquiry into the deaths of two firefighters as they fought a blaze at a disused factory.
Brian Murray, 46, a father-of-14, and his colleague Mark O'Shaughnessy, 26, both from Bray were killed when the roof of a building in the town caved in on them.
Gardai, the Heath and Safety Authority and Wicklow County Council are investigating the deaths but Siptu firefighters have called for an independent probe.
One line of inquiry is that sparks from welding on the factory doors caused the fire.
Brian Murray (no relation), chairman of the Fulltime Firefighters National Committee, said neither the council nor the HSA have the competencies to investigate the tragedy.
"While there are a number of fire consultants in this country they have never had to carry out such an investigation," he said.
"There are very important matters to investigate such as the adequacy of the breathing apparatus procedure, command and control procedures, had the fire authority carried out a risk assessment of the area and whether or not an adequate number of personnel were called out to deal with the fire."
Mr Murray questioned whether sufficient firefighting crews were on hand to deal with the fire but he claimed budgetary constraints had been imposed on call-outs.
He said questions had to be asked why recommendations from a 2003 report calling for a properly resourced fire service were not implemented. Siptu said it was inappropriate for the council to investigate.
Mr Murray said the British Fire Brigade Union has pledged to help in any way it can. "An independent investigation by outside experts is essential if we are to find out what happened and ensure this tragedy is never repeated," he said.
Mr O'Shaughnessy's remains will be removed to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Putland Rd, Bray on Sunday ahead of a Funeral Mass on Monday morning.
Mr Murray's remains will be removed to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Bray on Monday evening ahead of a Funeral Mass on Tuesday morning.