A Sinn Fein motion calling for a ‘full and independent review of Bray Fire Service as a matter of urgency’ received unanimous support by Councillors at the Bray Municipal District meeting this week.
Speaking after the meeting Cllr Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien expressed his satisfaction at the outcome. “This is a very positive step in the right direction. There were two motions on the agenda which were calling for action on this issue and the sincerity of the contributions across the Chamber gives me some hope that finally we can resolve this issue which has hung over this town like a dark cloud for decades. We owe this to the current and future generations or Bray and to the firefighters who dedicate themselves to our community with a compassionate professionalism that deserves the appropriate recognition in terms of the status of this crucial job within the fabric of our society.”
Cllr McManus stated “Both the vibrant and positive discussion on this motion, and it’s passing, feel like a good step in the right direction on this long-standing campaign. We are asking for a section on firefighter well-being to be included in the independent report, and we can’t overstate the importance of that. The firefighters themselves are the bloodstream of the service. Their well-being is paramount to the success of the service, but even more than that, they deserve it to be considered and addressed, especially after all that they sacrifice to keep us safe. To know that that will be formally acknowledged and addressed in this report is very welcome”
Deputy John Brady continued “The passing of the motion by Bray Municipal District councillors calling for a full and Independent review of Bray Fire Service with a view of making it a full time service is to be welcomed. Along with other members of the community I have campaigned for many years for a full-time service in the town and it’s hoped that this report when completed will help us achieve it.”
“I don’t think having someone that works for the local authority carry out the report would serve any purpose other than coming to the same conclusion as previous reports that the council can’t afford a full-time service. The motion that was passed is really important as it calls for the report to be fully independent. It is also important that public representatives help set the terms of reference for the report. It should use up to date data, not figures from the 2016 census. It should also look at the planned future growth of North Wicklow.”
Deputy Brady concluded “The local councillors in Bray have spoken when they unanimously supported the Sinn Féin motion. Its now expected that the motion will be brought to the full council in the coming weeks. We will continue to campaign on the issue and plan on elevating the issue both locally and nationally.”
