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Malahide loses Fire Station to Swords Study must address the concerns of the peopple of Malahide and Portmarnock Homes in Malahide and Portmarnock could be seriously exposed to risk if the propesed new fire service for Swords is stretched to backup part-time services in the north of the county There is a major question about local exposure if the full-time Swords unit is working int the North County, backing up Balbriggan or Skerries part-time retained fire services, according to a local councillor. This is the type of question that has to be answered relating to the closure of the Malahide Fire Station, Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab) said. The completion of a fire-cover study for North Dublin is crucial in determining whether residents in Malahide and Portmarnock will be adequately protected after the fire-station in Malahide closes, he said. The long-promised study is due to begin this autumn, according to Gerry Geraghty from Dublin Fire Brigade. The sutdy must address the concerns of the people of Malahide and Portmarnock who are to lose the fire-statiion in Malahide, in favour of a new full-time station at Swords. That's the view of Cllr Coyle who received the assurance of Mr Geraghty at a meeting of the North City Fringe Forum, that the study was imminent. The study is particularly relevant for Portmarnock and Malahide, according to the Labour councillor. Up to now the nearest full-time station cover for Portmartnock and Malahide is at Kilbarrack. Ther is a 'retained' station in Malahide and another in Swords, operated by part-time staff. It is now proposed to have a full-time station in swords and to close the Malahide 'retained station'. The new station in Swords will be manned on a full-time basis and it is argued that when operational will greatly enhance the fire cover provided to Swords, Malahide and adjoining areas. Fire fighters in Dblin are also full-time qualified paramedics. a full-time unit automatically backs up retained fire services. By John Manning Fingal Independent 27/10/2006
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