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:
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026