Minister Murphy Urged To Meet With Siptu Fire Service Representatives

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, has been urged to meet with Siptu Fire Service representatives in relation to changes to fire safety operations.

The meeting is being called for following the Grenfell Tower disaster. At least 80 people are now thought to have died in the blaze on Wednesday, 14 June.

Siptu Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, John King, said it is the second time he has asked the Minister for a meeting.

"I wrote to the Minister again yesterday (Thursday, 29th June) seeking an urgent meeting with him in relation to the responses which are necessary following the appalling tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London. This is my second request for such a meeting with the Minister since that disaster," he said.

"I note that in a media interview on Wednesday (28th June), Minister Murphy stated that the Grenfell Tower disaster is going to change how authorities in Ireland deal with fire safety. The Dublin Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer has also said that the Grenfell incident must be a game changer for the Fire Service operations."

Siptu Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: "It is deeply regrettable that Minister Murphy failed to respond to our request earlier this month to convene an urgent meeting with Fire Service representatives to discuss these issues.

"Siptu members had hoped that progress on these critical issues would be made through the Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group. They still believe that this established process, in which all stakeholders participate, presents the best opportunity for meaningful progress on these matters."

(LM)