The fire station in Castlerea in Roscommon is to remain closed.
The station was closed three-and-a-half years ago by Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Eugene Cummins who has announced this afternoon that he has taken the decision not to re-open it.
A report presented to Councillors this afternoon provided details of operations and a risk management review as well as area risk assessment for County Roscommon.
It found that 18 fire services which serve the county from both within the county and it's 7 neighbouring counties have served incidents and manage the risks effectively and efficiently
The Castlerea area, which had it station closed in January 2017 by the CE on safety grounds is served by four services, Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin and Strokestown, as well as Ballyhaunis.
It has a population catchment of 4,000 people compared to the 14,000 people in Athlone, and that town is only served by a fire service in Athlone and nearby Ballinasloe the meeting heard.
The review has been independently assessed by former Chief Officer in Dublin Pat Fleming and he says by all national standards and guideline, the fire services in Roscommon is achieving over and above 75 per cent of national targets.
He says the fire services in the county are efficient and effective.
On the basis of these facts, CE Eugene Cummins has announced he he will not be opening the station in Castlerea.
He says it is based on these facts and of the data of the last three and half years, and told Councillors expressing their disappointment at the decision that the facts stand alone and no other issues should be considered.
