Laois County Council’s Budget for 2024 will see the county’s Fire Service receive welcome boost in funding.
In total, the Council will spend over €6.8 million on fire services.
This represents an increase of almost €2.5 million on 2023 funding.
Retainer fees was a major bone of contention over the past number of years, with the situation coming to a head during the summer when fire services across the country began industrial action.
Fire Fighters in Laois will be pleased to see an increase in retainer fees for next year’s budget of €1.1 million, up to €3.6 million.
Meanwhile, funding for Fire Service Training will almost triple, rising from €471,000 to €1.275 million.
Day-to-day operational costs, such as insurance, uniforms, and station maintenance will recieve almost €400,000 in additional funding.
While the Budget as a whole was warmly welcomed by all elected member, there were a number who singled out this increase in Fire Service funding for special praise.
Fianna Fáil Cllr John Joe Fennelly, Fine Gael Cllr Willie Aird, and Independent Cllr James Kelly all highlighted the importance of the increases.
The Budget also sees an increase in funding of €171,000 for Fire Prevention Services, up to €362,000 for the coming year.
The bulk of the increase is for Fire Prevention Education.
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