Speaking on Sunday (15 Sept) Cllr Kelly said: "The money for the new site for Wexford Fire Station was first allocated 5 years ago. While the long overdue announcement of a new site for Clonard is very welcome I would be concerned that there must be no further delay in the construction of the new site and in urgently updating the fleet".
"Wexford Firefighters have endured appalling conditions for far too long now. The rear of the present building is cracked. The portakabin, which serves as lecture room and office, has a leaking roof, as does the radio room. There is no extractor system whatsoever which is totally against health and safety regulations. When the engines are started, because of the low ceiling, the building quickly fills with diesel smoke and fumes. These diesel fumes are extremely harmful and carcinogenic."
"The average age of the fleet in County Wexford is approximately 20 years old. Wexford town has one appliance that is 28 years old and this is the only hydraulic platform in the county. It is left out in the yard because there is no room for it in the station and is presently of service. A new appliance has been approved for Wexford town but this still leaves two out of four appliances that are more than 20 years old.
"These emergency vehicles are not subject to the MOT or NCT tests. The situation with ageing appliances is not unique to County Wexford but is country wide, this is due to the neglect of the Fire Service by successive governments.
"Because of lack of funds County Councils have been buying second hand appliances from the UK, these appliances normally went to Third World counties. Why should Irish Firefighters have to make do with appliances that are no longer fit for service in the UK?
"The Gardaí refuse to drive vehicles over 5 years old why should the Fire service be any different. The Fire Service has been the Cinderella of the Emergency services for far too long."
"Any further delay in putting the construction of the new station out to tender would be totally unacceptable. Wexfords Fire Service has been neglected for far too long now and it is way past time that a modern facility and an up to date fleet for this essential emergency service is provided".
