Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am conscious of the need for a new station house for the coastal unit at Doolin, County Clare and want to see it provided as quickly as possible. The Irish Coast Guard and the Office of Public Works have been doing everything they can to acquire a suitable site in the area, but despite intensive local discussions and negotiations it has not been possible to reach agreement for a site to date.

Real progress was made in negotiations in 2004 and it had been expected that a deal would be agreed, but, due to circumstances beyond the control of the Irish Coast Guard and the Office of Public Works, the negotiations were not successful. Despite this setback, however, efforts were intensified again this year and discussions with a landowner are now at an advanced stage. In view of the need for strict confidentiality in managing such negotiations it would not be judicious to elaborate upon the discussions at this time. As soon as an agreement is reached, the Department will move to complete the development as quickly as possible.

I compliment the Doolin coastal unit for the excellent search and rescue work it has undertaken over many years, some of it in very difficult circumstances. While it is regrettable that attempts to acquire a site have not met with success to date, the provision of a new station house for the Doolin team remains a top priority for me.

The Department and the Office of Public Works will do everything possible to bring these advanced negotiations to a successful conclusion. It is appropriate at this time to sympathise with the families bereaved as a result of a recent tragedy in Doolin.

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