Killarney Fire Station closed as strike escalates

Killarney Fire Station has remained closed for several days this week as the current fire fighters’ strike escalates.

The station was closed every second day this week meaning any emergency had to be dealt with by the nearest operational station.

Retained firefighters work part-time and are compensated with a retainment fee each year.

The Labour Court made a number of recommendations - including that the fee be increased by between 24% and 32.7%.

Trade union members found the recommendations unacceptable and, last week, retained firefighters have returned to picket lines across the country.

The row escalated even further this week, with 50 percent of stations across the country closing for 24 hours each day.

Killarney Fire Station closed at 9am on Tuesday morning and re-opened again on Wednesday morning for 24 hours only.