IN WHAT is a highly significant development for border areas like Fermanagh, an agreement between the Fire Service north and south is set to speed up response times to road traffic accidents.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) have signed a ‘road safety’ agreement with Monaghan Council Fire and Rescue Service which will enhance the response to road traffic collisions in the border areas.
The initial phase, of the six phase agreement, relates to the Clones and Lisnaskea areas and it recognises that given the geographical location, both local fire crews may attend the same road traffic collision and may be required to work together at this types of incidents.
Alan Walmsley, assistant chief fire and rescue officer explains, “This agreement will help enhance the speed and efficiency of operational response to road traffic collisions in these areas and ultimately this will help save more lives.
“Collaborative working like this, is good news not only for people who live in the border areas as it helps to enhance the emergency cover for the local community.
“We have seen our joint agreements working very successfully in other border counties and we are confident that this new arrangement will be to the benefit of the people of Lisnaskea and Clones and local Firefighters.”
The fire crews recently took part in a joint training exercise which allowed them to work alongside each other and become aware of each other’s road traffic collision procedures.
Local Lisnaskea Councillor Garbhan McPhillips welcomed the initiative saying,
“This is excellent news. This cross-border agreement not only will enhance the speed and efficiency of operational response, it will ultimately save more lives.
“I know all too well how busy the local fire station in Lisnaskea can get, so this initiative will be welcomed by everyone in the area.
“I would also like to commend the fire fighters for their commitment and service to the community.
“We all know that it is a very difficult job and we very much appreciate everything that they do,” the councillor added.
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