75% Of Covid 19 Cases Reported Among Fire Fighters Were In Kildare.

Saturday, 3 July 2021 14:20

The data has been confirmed by the Housing Minister.

Covid 19 outbreaks at fire stations across Ireland have been reported on four occasions since March, 2020 - and three of those outbreaks were in Kildare.

The Housing Minister, Darragh O'Brien, has confirmed the information to Sinn Féin TD, Eoin O'Broin.

The Minister says "Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department has monitored regular reports from fire services, regarding the impact of the pandemic on staffing levels. During this period, necessary restrictions have limited opportunities for fire services to undertake recruitment and training activities in some cases."

He adds "I am aware that a number of fire stations were taken out of service for short periods during the pandemic, due to positive COVID-19 tests or precautionary isolation in case of suspected infection. Following testing, crews were permitted to return to duty."

There were 2 outbreaks at the station in Naas, affecting 2 members in June, 2020, and 3 members in March, 2021.

An outbreak also took place at Monasterevin in June of last year, affecting 3 members.

The fourth outbreak was in Trim, and affected 9 people.

Fire station	Date	Number of days out of service
Naas, Co. Kildare	June 2020	2
Monasterevin, Co. Kildare	June 2020	3
Trim, Co. Meath	March 2021	9
Naas, Co. Kildare	March 2021	3

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