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To: Donegal County Council, Local Councillors

Save Letterkenny's Fire Service

Save Letterkenny's second fire engine. Stop the stripping of resources from the town and the reduction in crew members.

Why is this important?

We have been informed that both Buncrana and Letterkenny Fire Services are facing a drastic reduction in resources. This includes the removal of our second fire engine, a significant cut in crew numbers, and, in the case of Letterkenny, the loss of the vital water tanker and incident command vehicle. These resources are essential for effectively responding to emergencies and ensuring the safety of both the public and our firefighters.

The decision to implement these cuts has been presented to us as a fait accompli, with management stating that the changes will proceed regardless of our concerns. We were told, "if you don't like it, take us to court." This dictatorial approach is deeply disrespectful and undermines the vital role we play in protecting our community.

We are particularly troubled by the justification given for these cuts. We are being told that these reductions are a consequence of firefighters seeking a better work-life balance. While we firmly believe in the importance of work-life balance for all workers, including firefighters, we refuse to accept that the safety of our community should be compromised as a result. It is unconscionable to punish firefighters for seeking reasonable working conditions, and, more importantly, to punish the public by diminishing the emergency services they rely upon.

These cuts will have a devastating impact. Fewer firefighters and fewer resources mean slower response times, increased risk to both firefighters and the public, and a diminished ability to effectively handle complex emergencies. The loss of the water tanker in Letterkenny, for example, will severely hamper our ability to fight fires, especially in areas with limited water supply.

Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

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Updates

2025-04-06 13:19:16 +0100

“Furthermore, SIPTU takes issue with the inflammatory and derogatory language used in a Fire Service Management’s statement issued in March, which described our members concerns as ‘inaccurate, untrue, self-serving and deeply misleading’. These claims are entirely baseless. The concerns raised by SIPTU members are factually accurate and reflect the reality of events.”

He added; “SIPTU has provided Fire Service Management with several opportunities to retract and apologise for this statement. However, it has refused to do so. SIPTU members will not be silenced when it comes to the safety, health and wellbeing of themselves or the communities they serve.”

2025-04-06 13:18:56 +0100

“SIPTU’s representatives have called for engagement with management to agree an adequate number of firefighters to maintain the station’s operation in a manner which is safe for staff and the public. However, management has refused to engage constructively. When pressed for a timeline, it was refused due to senior management being ‘very busy’ implementing other aspects of the Workplace Relations Commission agreement concerning the Retained Fire Services.”

“We find this response wholly unacceptable. No management, no matter how busy, should ever not prioritise the safety of firefighters and the general public which they serve. Fire Service Management’s refusal to allocate time to address these urgent concerns demonstrates a reckless disregard for the fundamental duty of care to both its staff and the wider community.”

2025-04-06 13:17:41 +0100

SIPTU has called for a commitment from Donegal County Council and Fire Service Management to increase staffing levels at Letterkenny Fire Station. Letterkenny, County Donegal, so it can operate safely in response to growing demands on it within the local area.

SIPTU Organiser, David Samuels, said “In February, Donegal County Council and Fire Service Management unilaterally announced without prior consultation with members, that Letterkenny Fire Station would be downgraded to a 1 Pump Station. This decision includes the removal of the second fire engine and its associated crew, as well as the loss of essential emergency response vehicles, including the Station’s water tanker and incident command vehicle.”

2025-04-03 08:28:18 +0100

Again, thank you for keeping the support going, it is vital we keep this in the headlines. We have had no real update. We are waiting on a response. We will update when we do.

2025-03-15 14:19:29 +0000

Thank you again for continuing to support. We need to keep this going. We have had no response to anything so far. Our union, SIPTU, has requested a meeting. Please keep this going and share. Thanks.

2025-03-12 21:09:59 +0000

Thank you all for the continued support. Thank you to all the local county councillors, who have been very supportive of us and our concerns. This was always about safety, safety for ourselves and for the communities we continue to serve. We await an update.

2025-03-10 22:14:41 +0000

1,000 signatures reached

2025-03-10 16:31:32 +0000

We deeply appreciate your ongoing support. As firefighters, our credibility rests on our unwavering commitment to truth and service. Our sole purpose is to protect and serve our communities, and we will continue to do so with the same resolute dedication we have always demonstrated

2025-03-09 15:54:44 +0000

Thank you all. We appreciate your support. The response to this issue is heart-warming. This issue is not just a local concern; it will have significant repercussions for the entire county of Donegal.

As you are aware, Letterkenny Fire Service covers a vast and challenging area, extending from Creeslough and Glenveagh National Park to Lifford, Newtoncunningham, and Ramelton. We frequently provide crucial support to neighboring stations. Moreover, our station houses essential county-wide resources, including the Hydraulic Platform, Water Tanker, Rescue Vehicle, and Incident Command Vehicle. Reducing our crew will severely compromise our ability to respond effectively, placing the entire county at increased risk.

2025-03-08 18:26:26 +0000

500 signatures reached

2025-03-07 21:35:46 +0000

Thank you for the support. Incredible to get to 200 signatures so quick! Please share with friends and family.

2025-03-07 15:28:59 +0000

100 signatures reached

2025-03-07 14:35:01 +0000

50 signatures reached

2025-03-07 13:33:37 +0000

25 signatures reached

2025-03-07 13:10:27 +0000

10 signatures reached