Half of the country's retained firefighters began industrial action today.
On a hot and humid Tuesday, local retained firefighters began their strike action outside fire stations and county council offices across the 3 counties.
Firefighters in Longford held their picket early this morning outside the council offices in the county town with further pickets planned for tomorrow and Thursday.
If a resolution is not reached 200 stations could go on strike next Tuesday, which would have a major impact on emergency responses.
Local councillor Peggy Nolan believes that it's now time for the Minister to step in
"They need to be fully imbursed for what they're doing. The public appreciate it. They are out frontline staff, they need to be looked after, and as far as i'm concerned, the Minister must step-up to the plate. We're not a poor country anymore. We're not the same country that we were when this was set up. Please, Minister, address the situation now. Pay them appropriately and give them all of the support they need because what they're doing for the communities that they're serving"
Speaking following this morning's pickets, Ballymahon firefighter Michael Farrelly highlighted how although the solution is not simple, they're confident one can be reached.
"These things are not simple. We need to get concrete proposal, concrete ideas from the government. It's important that they understand what we're looking for which, in this case, they do. So, they know exactly what's required. All they have to do is hit the switch, and we're back on".
With the threat of all out strike action looming, the pressure is now on to reach a resolution before next Tuesday.
