Leitrim councillor says industrial action by retained fire fighters comes as a last resort

A Leitrim councillor says industrial action being taken by retained fire fighters comes as 'a last resort' after they previously had raised concerns over in adequate numbers  of serving members.

SIPTU members employed as Retained Fire Services firefighters by local authorities will begin a campaign of industrial action on Tuesday next across the country.

The union claim that the dispute is a result of “the failure of management to adequately address a worsening recruitment and retention crisis in the service”.

As a result of the action members will be restricting their work to only responding to emergency calls.

Leitrim councillor Brendan Barry says there have been ongoing issues in relation to adequate staffing for some time.