Retained Firefighter
The Carlow Fire Service is a retained service. Retained firefighters work on a part-time basis.
Membership of the Fire Service is voluntary, and a firefighter may resign at any time, having provided statutory notice.
The appropriate retaining fee and hourly rate for attendance at fires and drill sessions will be paid according to the Approved National Scale as set out in Appendix A. Attendance at 85% of all drills and training sessions on a quarterly basis is necessary to qualify for a retaining fee. Firefighters who do not meet this requirement may lose 50% of the retainer. Annual Leave, Certified Sick Leave, and Jury Duty (if not excused) may be valid excuses for absence. Other penalties may also apply.
A successful candidate will be offered employment on a probationary basis as a Retained Firefighter, subject to satisfactory completion of the following courses: (a) Firefighting Skills Course – full-time, three-week course held at a training centre in Ireland; may involve staying away from home Monday to Friday. (b) Breathing Apparatus Course – full-time, two-week course held at a training centre in Ireland; may involve staying away from home Monday to Friday. (c) Compartment Fire Behaviour Training Course – full-time, one-week course held at a training centre in Ireland; may involve staying away from home Monday to Friday.
Earnings of a Retained Firefighter vary depending on activity levels. They consist of an annual retainer, payments for attending training, callouts, Community Fire Safety duties, and other duties. An annual review is undertaken in December to identify stations with low incident mobilisation. Where such levels fall below 75 hours in a calendar year, an adjustment payment will ensure a minimum annual payment of 75 hours, calculated pro-rata for new entrants.
Qualifications
Character: Firefighters must be of good character, physically and medically fit, and possess intelligence, courage, and initiative. They must pass medical, physical, and other examinations, which may include cardiovascular assessments. Firefighters must undertake any other examinations deemed necessary by the Chief Fire Officer. Applicants will be subject to Garda Vetting prior to appointment.
Firefighters must comply with the “Occupational Health Scheme for Members of the Retained Fire Service” (Local Government Management Services Board, July 2005) and undergo regular and ad-hoc medical examinations.
Qualifying Criteria:
Minimum age: 18 years. Retirement age: 55 years. Council may extend up to 62 years at its discretion. Birth certificate required.
Must reside and work within reasonable distance of the Fire Station to respond promptly (mobilisation target: 5 minutes).
Must possess adequate practical, literacy, and numeracy skills. Firefighter Suitability Assessments may be required at candidate expense.
Must undertake all necessary Fire & Rescue Service training courses to maintain competency.
Must hold a clean Class B driving licence at application; obtain and maintain Class C licence within 12-month probation. Complete Emergency Services Driving Standard training. Notify Chief Fire Officer of any licence endorsements or suspensions.
Health: Must be free from defects, disease, or conditions affecting duty performance. Must comply with the Occupational Health Scheme and attend regular and ad-hoc medical examinations.
Abridged Conditions of Employment:
Must reside and work near the Fire Station; relocation affecting availability may require resignation (proof of address required).
Submit employer letter confirming availability for training and callouts; self-employed must provide written evidence.
Successful candidates must complete Firefighting Skills (3 weeks), Breathing Apparatus (2 weeks), and Compartment Fire Behaviour (1 week) courses. Failure results in termination unless mitigating circumstances exist.
Probation: 12 months following appointment.
Must comply with the Composite Agreement for Retained Firefighters 1999 and complete age-related fitness tests.
Retirement at 55 unless passing annual occupational health test (may work up to 62).
Annual leave: 28 days per annum (1 day = 24 hours); payment: 8% of earnings excluding retainer, clothing allowance, and previous year leave; paid during fortnightly pay cycle.
Minimum 100 hours training per annum (2 hours/week), plus additional prescribed courses.
Availability: 24 weeks per year on a week on/week off-flexible basis; rostered-off weeks may attend incidents; cover for absences arranged with Station Officer approval.
Firefighters must carry a fully operational Fire Service Alerter at all times.
Must abide by Brigade Service Orders, Health & Safety legislation, and Council grievance and disciplinary procedures.
Probationary period includes regular practical tests and appraisals.
Interviews at candidate expense; panel used to fill vacancies within one year.
Sick leave: report first morning; medical certificate required from third day and weekly thereafter. Extended sick leave subject to medical certification and may be limited to one occasion. Return to Work Form required. Persistent or abusive sick leave may lead to sanctions.
Payment and Allowances (from 1st February 2026):
Retaining Fee: 0–1 year: €16,852 2–4 years: €17,864 5–7 years: €19,112 8+ years: €20,251
Hourly Rate for Attendance at Fire Practices and Drills: €51.56 (approx. 100 hours per annum)
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