Shannon town is a significant urban area with a notable airport and a growing population. Our town is experiencing potential threats to its safety with plans to reduce the required firefighter numbers at Shannon Fire Station. This change would cut the required crew from 15 to just 12. Our fire station currently responds to nearly 200 emergency calls per year. They handle a myriad of situations, from fires to road accidents. There is a serious concern about how this reduction might lead to slower emergency response times. 

What many don’t realise is that if a fire breaks out in the airport terminal or other buildings, it is Shannon Fire Station that responds—not the airport fire brigade, as they are not trained for building fires. Cutting resources puts both the town and the airport at risk.

These changes do not reflect the needs of our community. We believe this plan is shortsighted and dangerous. Given our area's considerable population and the busy nature of our airport, we need more resources, not fewer ones. 

Let us stand together to ensure the safety and security of our town and surrounding areas. We call upon Clare County Council to reject this planned reduction and to prioritise public safety over budget cuts. Your signatures will show our collective voices, highlighting our concerns, ensuring they are heard. Please sign and share this petition to help prevent the reduction of firefighter numbers at Shannon Fire Station.