Representatives of Fórsa and Siptu members in Dublin fire brigade want an urgent meeting with the local government minister Eoghan Murphy to discuss the need for adequate training, resources and risk assessments to deal with the threat of high-rise fires.

The move came after fire crews brought last week’s high-rise fire at the Metro hotel in Ballymun under control with no serious injuries or loss of life.
 
Firefighters say the Ballymun fire starkly illustrated why their repeated demands for adequate resources, risk assessments and high-rise firefighting training required urgent action.
 
There has been no increase in the provision of high reach fire appliances since 1981.

Fórsa spokesperson Bernard Harbor deplored the lack of comprehensive risk assessments, training, and resources for high-rise fires. “We are calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss what action must be taken to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters,” he said.
 
SIPTU convenor, Shane McGill, said: “In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in London last June, we participated in a task group established by the minister to examine fire safety in high-rise buildings. Sadly, the concerns we raised have been ignored.”