Fire fighters wanted but no ladies need apply is message

IN the second decade of the 21st century the fact that no females can take up firefighting positions in Tuam because there are no female toilet or washing facilities at the fire station on High Street is an issue being tackled by the town’s youngest politician.
Independent Cllr Karey McHugh has described the effective 'men only’ policy tolerated by Galway Co Council in relation to the county’s fire stations as intolerable in this day and age and has pledged to keep lobbying and campaigning to have the situation rectified.
She has already raised the issue at Co Council level but is unhappy with vague assurances that things may change down the line.
“I know of one woman, a trained paramedic, who applied for an advertised position as a part-time fire fighter. It was made clear to her that while she was well qualified, suitable and welcome, the barrier of the lack of toilet facilities stood in her way. This can’t continue and I’m not going to let it slide,” Karey told The Herald.