Call to extend retirement age for fire fighters to 60

The retirement age for firefighters was a topic of concern at a recent sitting of Cavan County Council.

The current retirement age is 55 years with an option to extend that to 58 based on a medical assessment. However, Fine Gael Councillor T.P. O’Reilly believes current fire staff need to be retained following their retirement age due to issues recruitment.

He believes many fire staff would be of equal opinion.

Sinn Féin Councillor Paddy McDonald agreed, calling for the retirement age to be raised to 60 years, in line with that of gardaí.

“The motion should be put to the minister,” he surmised.

Cllr O’Reilly also commended the current fire staff on the fantastic work they do for the community. The council agreed to approach the Government regarding the possibility of extending the mandatory retirement age for firefighters.

Meanwhile, councillors also wish to see outgoing members of the fire service celebrated upon their retirement.

Cllr McDonald stated that some members of the fire staff “have been working for 40, 30, 20 years” and should be commended for their work.

Councillors heard plans were in place to celebrate veteran firefighters prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, however these were postponed.

The local authority executive agreed to move forward with the event and put plans in place.