Troy welcomes resolution of retained firefighters dispute

Local Fianna Fáil Minister Robert Troy has welcomed confirmation from SIPTU that retained firefighter members have accepted Labour Court recommendations to resolve an ongoing dispute process.

“I welcome the decision of the retained firefighters to accept the recommendations of the Labour Court. Retained firefighters play a crucial role at the heart of our Midlands communities and throughout Ireland doing so with professionalism, commitment and bravery. I want to thank them and their representatives for their constructive engagement with the Local Government Management Agency to achieve this outcome," Minister Troy said.

Retained firefighters are part-time employees of the local authority who respond to fires and emergencies within their communities. Trained to the same standard as full-time firefighters, the majority of fire services in Ireland are staffed by retained firefighters drawn from their local communities.

In 2023 retained firefighters based at Athlone Fire Station commenced industrial action for improved pay and conditions.

Industrial action was then suspended when, following mediation, the retained firefighters accepted the recommendations of the Workplace Relations Commission.

Discussions at the Labour Court were led, on behalf of the local authorities, by the Local Government Management Agency and supported by representatives of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) and officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in a supporting role.