Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Under the Government's decentralisation programme the decentralisation implementation group has identified the transfer of the headquarters of the Irish Coast Guard and maritime safety directorate to Drogheda as a phase one project. The Office of Public Works is currently seeking a suitable site in Drogheda for the development with the objective of completing the move as quickly as possible. The decentralisation project will involve 47 posts composed of both coast guard and maritime safety directorate staff.

Separately, a decision to transfer the services of the marine rescue co-ordination centre from Dublin was taken on foot of a study of the coast guard undertaken by independent consultants. Reflecting advances in modern communications technologies, the consultants recommended that the coast guard should operate two control centres as opposed to the three centres that exist at present. Communications technology today is such that the geographical location of the co-ordination centres is less important now than in the past.

The intention is that the remaining two centres would be developed to handle all emergencies around our coast, including the Dublin and the east coast area, on inland waters and mountain, cliff and cave rescue. There would be no consequent reduction in the capability of the Irish Coast Guard to co-ordinate and manage incidents as a result of the relocation away from Dublin.

In this context, coast guard management would address all issues relating to the operation of two control centres, including establishing the measures that would be necessary to effect a smooth transfer from Dublin while ensuring that full co-ordination capability is maintained at all times.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided to transfer responsibility for maritime transport matters, including maritime safety and the coast guard, to the Department of Transport with effect from 1 January this year. In this context, and with a view to the closer integration of maritime transport functions into overall transport policy, I have asked my officials to review current and proposed arrangements for the delivery of maritime transport services, including marine rescue co-ordination, and to report back to me.

See this speech in context