Member of the fire service are calling for improved pay and conditions.
2,000 members of the Retained Firefighter service will begin industrial action today with up to half of stations in the service set to be closed.
SIPTU who represent the workers has warned the strike action will result in very serious disruption to services.
Many members of the fire service are struggling with the demands of the job, both socially and financially.
Retained Fire Fighter with Mullingar Fire Service and SIPTU representative for the Westmeath area, Tony Sheeran says the vast majority of stations nationwide have been impacted:
The widespread closure of fire stations across the country is what the future holds if an agreement can't be reached in the Retained Fire fighters dispute.
That's what SIPTU is saying as 50 per cent of all stations close today.
Mr. Sheeran is warning if people can't be attracted to the work, stations will have to close permanently:
Minster for Housing and Local Government Darragh O'Brien, who is responsible for the service, will reportedly make "a positive statement" on the matter in the Dáil this afternoon.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he doesn't believe strike action is necessary:
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