Community in shock at tragic death
THE community of Kilcormac is in mourning this week following the tragic death of 87 year old Mrs Mary Flaherty as a result of a fire in her home last Sunday morning.
The tragedy comes at a sensitive time for the Fire Service in the county as Offaly County Council management is proposing to close the fire station in Kilcormac, as well as those in Banagher and Daingean, on cost grounds.
The closures are being strongly oppossed by the local communities in the three towns.
Kilcormac based Independent County Councillor John Leahy said this week that the town was in shock at the untimely death of Mrs Flaherty and he expressed his sincere sympathy to the family.
Cllr Leahy went on to say that it was adding to the town's frustration as over the past few weeks the community had launched a campaign to stop Offaly County Council from closing Kilcormac Fire Station.
"Our campaign to save lives and homes has become a reality and I am calling on Director of Services Frank Heslin and Chief Fire Officer Eoin O'Ceilleachair to upgrade all three Stations immediately," comm-ented Cllr Leahy who added that it was not justified that a community had to wait 20 minutes minimum for the Fire Service from outside the town to arrive.
"A fully manned Station in Kilcormac would have been at the incident within six to eight minutes. It is ironic to think that Offaly County Council has been drawn down monies for recruitment over the past few years and none of the funding actually went into recruitment of Fire Fighters."
Calling on all councillors to back his campaign, he said, "What has happened today in our town should never be repeated due to an inadequate Fire and Rescue Emergency plan been proposed by Offaly County Council in order to save money. You cannot put a value on life."
Offaly County Council has offered its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and neighbours of Mrs Flaherty for their tragic loss
Responding to the various proposals regarding the fire service going forward, in a statement the local authority said, "Offaly County Council are required to manage the serious risks to the public and the fire fighters themselves within the resources available. A proposal to improve this service is currently under consideration."
See Also
87 year old woman dies in Kilcormac fire tragedy
Alternative proposals set out to rescue fire stations
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Weather for Tullamore
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 22 C
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