Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 265: To ask the Minister for Transport when equipment at Malin Head Coastguard Station, County Donegal, will be upgraded; his views on whether the upgrading of equipment at the Dublin coastguard radio, Leeson Lane is almost completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45721/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Refurbishment works are ongoing in the Leeson Lane building, and subject to the availability of the accommodation, the installation of the new equipment will commence in mid/late February 2010. The testing of the installed Integrated Communications System and the training for Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre staff will commence early May 2010. The dual operation of the new and old equipment in the Dublin will last for at least a four-week period, after which the new system is expected to go live early in the second half of 2010.

The Factory Acceptance Test on the equipment for Malin and Valentia Marine Rescue Sub co-ordination Centres was completed in November, and delivery of this equipment to Coast Guard Stores is expected by year end. New voice traffic recording systems have already been installed in both Malin and Valentia as part of the overall new Integrated Communications System. The adaptation of the buildings in Malin and Valentia to take the new configuration is awaiting Office of Public Works surveys and building schedule. It is anticipated that work will commence on one of the Centres in late 2010 and on the other building in 2011, subject to funding.