Donegal County Council is set to start a new recruitment campaign for retained firefighters in the county.
The Council will be advertising a competition in the coming weeks, aiming to create panels of qualified candidates from which they will fill vacancies as they arise.
County Councillor Michael McMahon has urged the council to put energy into promoting the job satisfaction of the role. Speaking at a county council meeting in Lifford yesterday, Cllr McMahon said there is added urgency with five vacancies arising in Bundoran soon.
“It’s time we started to recruit firemen coming into the summer, maybe young people who want a part-time job,” Cllr McMahon said. “It is a good job by all accounts and they would be recruited sooner rather than later.”
There are 15 retained fire brigades across Donegal which are all staffed by retained firefighters.
“They do such an excellent job in the community,” said Cllr McMahon. “I think now is the time we go around to students leaving school that maybe have a part-time job and we recruit these people that are interested.”
Retained firefighters brokered a deal on improved pay, rostering and staffing levels following a series of strikes last year. The industrial dispute was resolved through the Workplace Relations Commission.
Cllr McMahon said the improved terms prove better conditions for recruits. “I think the negotiations last year proved to be very successful. I believe there are a few things to be tidied up, but that we go flat out in a professional way to recruit firemen and firewomen. I think it would be a very worthwhile project. It’s a job they get a lot of satisfaction out of.”
A spokesperson said the competition process will begin in the next two weeks, adding: “The Council recognises the value and importance of attracting and welcoming a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities it serves and would welcome applications from all suitable qualified persons.”
