Keeping Communities Safe

National policy for the provision of Fire Services in Ireland is driven and supported by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, which also oversees and develops standards and the delivery of quality services by the Fire Authorities. In February 2013, the National Directorate published the “Keeping Communities Safe” policy document which is the blueprint for the future direction of the fire service, aimed at delivering consistent, effective and value for money fire services in Ireland while continuing to reduce the risk from fires in our communities and prioritising the safety of fire personnel in their work.

Keeping Communities Safe sets out:

• a system of national processes and standards
• a framework for moving to a “shared services” structure
• an increased emphasis on fire prevention and safety
• the means by which the goal of delivering quality services can be achieved
• challenging targets in terms of reducing the incidents of fire and loss of life