Fire service “at the end of its rope” due to attacks in West Belfast, says councillor Paul Doherty

A local councillor says the fire service is “at the end of its rope” amid increasing attacks in west Belfast. Paul Doherty of the SDLP called for an end to attacks in the Colin area.

He says that firefighters who “risk their lives” to save people and their property are “pelted with debris” after they return to fires.

Previously, there were six recent attacks on firefighters responding to emergency calls in the area. In the last six months, there have been 14 attacks across West Belfast, including in the Stewartstown area around Páirc Nua Chollann, Bell Steele and Colin Connect.

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Cllr Doherty added: “The fire service is at the end of its rope after being repeatedly attacked in the Stewartstown area over the last few weeks. Fires are being set around Páirc Nua Chollann and when the fire service responds they are attacked and pelted with debris. This is totally unacceptable and an undeserved attack on people providing a vital public service. I have spoken to them directly and they cannot understand why this is happening.

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to save people and their property in our community. They also perform a number of other important duties that keep people safe from harm, and without them we would be lost. The fire service should be treated with respect, and I am deeply disappointed that a few in our community behave this way.

“I appeal to you today to stop these attacks. While the fire service responds to incidents like this, their attention is diverted from more important matters. I would also like to urge local parents to speak to their young people and ensure that they do not engage in such activities. No one wants to see a young person get into trouble or gain a criminal record, but these attacks must stop immediately and the fire service must be able to carry out its important work without fear of becoming victims of such attacks.”

NIFRS was asked for comment.

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