Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the closing of the fire station in County Roscommon's second largest town, Castlerea. It has a population of about 2,000 people and is a very vibrant town with a strong local community. To say they are aghast at this announcement made by the CEO of Roscommon County Council last Monday is an understatement. The CEO said there was an adequate fire service to cover the area. In my view, taking fire services from a town the size of Castlerea is alarming. I have made my position known on this. I ask the Acting Leader to take this matter to the relevant Minister - I think it is the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan - to express my worry and disappointment. The station has been closed for the last three and a half years. There were obviously issues. However, the area served by the fire station has a population of 5,400 people. It is quite alarming to close down the station. I would like to see the issue addressed by the Minister.