A campaign has resurfaced to fight the closure of Fire Stations in South Donegal.
Government plans to create a single fire station to serve both Bundoran and Ballyshannon have been strongly objected to for many years.
It’s also feared that Glenclomcille Fire Station is at risk of closure too, due to the reported low call out rate.
Claims have circulated this week that an “orchestrated campaign” is underway to bring the issue to a close by taking it out of councillors’ hands.
Rather than amalgamating services in Bundoran, Cllr Brogan is demanding that all stations should be kept open and upgraded.
Councillor Jimmy Brogan said: “As I see it, the council/government have made a complete mess of this and could have built both fire stations over the past 20-40 years for a fraction of the cost which it will now cost to build just one station, I fear one station is their preferred option by the council and the fire service if they can get away with it.”
Cllr Brogan said a new fire station is needed in all three locations – Bundoran, Ballyshannon and Glencolmcille.
“We need to prioritise our tax money to best serve the people and this is another issue I won’t be backing down on,” he said.
The Donegal Firefighters Association says that the suggestion of closing any fire station is a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our communities they serve.
The association says the safety of our communities should never be up for debate.
A statement from DFA said: “Fire stations are a critical part of our emergency response system, saving lives and protecting the vulnerable people of our communities. How can anyone in a position of authority justify such a reckless move?
“We need answers. We need accountability. And most importantly, we need to stand together to protect these vital services especially in the Rural settings of Donegal.”
More than 1,500 people have signed a petition which makes a public call to Donegal County Council to save Ballyshannon Fire Station.
The petition, stated by Aine Gavigan said: “The issue of stations running into disrepair is reflective of previous inaction in term of necessary upgrade works. The people of Ballyshannon and the area that this station covers, who benefit from the Trojan work of the crew in this station, should not be collateral damage as a result of this.”
