Emergency Services

Laois County Council provide smoke alarms to vulnerable and older residents to install in their homes.

Laois County Council run public awareness campaigns on the use of smoke alarms, preparing escape route plans and the safe use of electrical equipment to prevent fires.

Laois County Council will take action against an owner or occupier of buildings or land that are potentially dangerous or may cause a risk in the event of a fire.

Laois County Council prepare guidelines for property owners and occupiers on fire safety standards including identifying fire safety precautions, maintaining training records and inspecting fire safety active systems and first aid equipment.

Laois County Council, together with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, run themed events during National Fire Safety Week. The events aim to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention in the home and community.

Laois County Council run a programme to teach third class primary school children about fire safety in the home and community, and how to protect their families and homes from fires.

You must apply to the appropriate Dangerous Substances Regional Office for a licence if you wish to store flammable liquids and fuels such as petrol, kerosene, or diesel for sale or supply to members of the public, commercial businesses or for your own personal use.

Laois County Council, together with the Department of Justice, assess applications to store or display explosives such as ammunition and fireworks, and may grant or refuse a licence based on their assessment.

You must apply to the District Court for a public premises licence if you want to operate a public house, hotel, restaurant or dance hall, or operate gaming or lottery activities and notify your local authority about your application. Local authorities may inspect the premises to advise the Court about licence applications.

Laois County Council provide information and advice to the public, community and voluntary groups, business owners and schools about fire safety and prevention, fire regulation, building standards, and fire and emergency response.

Laois County Council responds to fires, road traffic accidents, flooding, chemical and hazardous incidents, and other emergencies to protect human life, property and the environment, and to reduce deaths, injuries and damage.

Laois County Council charge those who benefit from the response of the fire service to domestic and commercial fires, chimney fires, road traffic accidents and false alarm incidents.

Laois County Council provides information and advice to those interested in becoming full time or retained firefighters including details of the application requirements and recruitment process.

Laois County Council publish plans outlining their fire and emergency operations including fire stations, appliances, equipment, water supplies, training, and procedures for dealing with fires and emergencies.

Laois County Council collect fire and emergency services data and give it to relevant agencies.

Laois County Council, together with other Principal Response Agencies, manage and respond to major emergencies such as floods, storms and hazardous substance incidents to protect life and property, minimise disruption to the community and give immediate support to those affected.