The West Waterford fire station conditions have come under strong criticism, with Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness calling for urgent government action.
He has urged James Browne to provide funding to upgrade outdated fire service facilities in the region.
‘Outdated and unfit for purpose’ facilities
McGuinness said fire stations in Lismore and Tallow fail to meet the standards required of a modern emergency service.
He said the buildings do not provide adequate support for frontline crews.
“The condition of fire service accommodation in west Waterford is not good enough,” he said. “Facilities in Lismore and Tallow are outdated and do not meet modern demands.”
Concerns for firefighter safety and welfare
The TD warned that poor infrastructure is affecting both safety and working conditions.
He said firefighters operate in facilities that fall short in terms of safety, functionality and welfare.
“These are serious shortcomings in buildings that support emergency response,” he said. “Firefighters deserve proper conditions that reflect the importance of their role.”
Rural communities ‘deserve equal services’
McGuinness also highlighted the impact on local communities.
He said people in rural areas should receive the same level of emergency infrastructure as those in urban centres.
“There cannot be a two-tier system,” he said. “Communities in west Waterford deserve the same standard of service as anywhere else in the State.”
Calls for immediate government action
McGuinness confirmed that he has raised the issue with government previously.
He also acknowledged the work of Donnchadh Mulcahy, who has advocated on the issue at local level.
He has now called on the Minister to engage directly with Waterford City and County Council and the fire service.
He said the government must assess conditions in Lismore and Tallow and prioritise funding without delay.
Pressure mounts to address deficiencies
The West Waterford fire station conditions remain a growing concern for both firefighters and residents.
McGuinness said the need for investment is clear and immediate action is required.
He warned that the government must act now to ensure facilities meet the standards that both crews and communities expect.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
