Fire Service discussion on Brexit impact

Fire Service discussion on Brexit impact

11 July 2018

THE potential impact of Brexit on the Fire Service was discussed at a recent cross-border meeting of Newry Mourne and Down Council and Louth County Council Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee was formed out of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2011 between the two councils, who meet on a regular basis to discuss a range of development projects. 

The MOU Action Plan supports and promotes the economic development and competitiveness of both areas. An Advisory Forum has also been established to discuss this action plan and make recommendations on progress of various actions.

The purpose of their latest meeting was to discuss the potential impact of Brexit on existing cross-border arrangements between the Fire and Rescue services.

Members received a joint presentation from Randy McComb, of the Northern Ireland Fire Service, and Joe Lumsden, the Louth Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer. 

The joint chairman of the committee, Cllr Declan McAteer, said: “All those present at this Joint Committee meeting found the presentation very useful and informative.

Cllr Edel Corrigan, joint chair of the committee, said: “This was a valuable presentation from the Emergency Services. It highlighted the potential detrimental impact of Brexit on an existing MOU between Fire and Rescue services to attend accidents either side of the border, which has proven to save numerous lives over the years.”