Calls for legislation to address gap between mainland and offshore islands fire service resources

There are calls for the Government to consider introducing legislation to provide greater recognition and resourcing of fire services on offshore islands.
A report commissioned by the Donegal Fire Association earlier this year, found that Arranmore Island Fire Station was not meeting minimum standards.
Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says there are genuine concerns among island communities over the poor state of equipment and resources available to fire personnel on Arranmore and Tory Island.
In a response to a question tabled by Deputy Doherty, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government stated that he is satisfied by the existing arrangements for fire safety and fire fighting in isolated communities and that the sitting of fire stations is a local matter to be determined by the relevant fire authority.
The Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson says island communities remain shamefully forgotten about, despite the increasing number of reports suggesting chronic levels of under sourcing of fire services on Donegal’s islands.
He has pledged to continue to work closely alongside island communities to ensure their voices are heard.