No discussions to remove DFB as provider of ambulance service

ONE local TD has welcomed the comments of the Dublin Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Dennis Keeley that there are no discussions underway to remove Dublin Fire Brigade as a provider of ambulance services for Dublin city.

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe said that he is “glad to hear” that there are no discussions underway, after it has been feared for some years now that plans were in motion to do so.

Teachta Crowe commented: “It has been a growing concern for some time that Dublin Fire Brigade would no longer provide ambulance cover in Dublin and would be replaced by the National Ambulance Service.

“I believe the joint medical model of fire and medical emergency response is one that works well in Dublin and should be held up as an example to how emergency response should look state-wide.”

As reported in last week’s Echo, Teachta Crowe criticised the Government for lack of action on staff shortages in Dublin Fire Brigade, which he claimed were “directly impacting” the firefighters on their response time and capacity to respond to major incidents, ultimately putting them at a greater risk.

Following this, he stated that additional support from Government to get more people trained up and graduated into Dublin Fire Brigade is necessary.

“It also needs a massive investment to replace the aging vehicle fleet of the service. Dublin is a city that grows larger every year,” he said. “We cannot afford to scrimp and save when it comes to emergency response. It only puts the lives of citizens and fire crews at risk.

“I welcome the Chief Fire Officer’s statement on the current medical model, but the gaps in supports and services need to be addressed with urgency.”