Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are no proposals in my Department to diminish Irish Coast Guard services or reduce the number of active stations in operation. In my response to Parliamentary Question No. 677 of 15 November 2016 I outlined the legislative provisions that underpinned the activities of the Irish Coast Guard and confirmed that there was no requirement to put it on an additional statutory footing as the current arrangements were satisfactory for carrying out maritime search and rescue missions.

The Irish Coast Guard provides maritime search and rescue services through its three rescue co-ordination centres and dedicated search and rescue units. These search and rescue units comprise helicopters and Irish Coast Guard volunteer units. Search and rescue units are also declared to the Irish Coast Guard from the RNLI, with which the Irish Coast Guard has a very close working relationship. The Irish Coast Guard enjoys an equally strong relationship with the Defence Forces and both Naval Service and Air Corps assets are readily provided on request.

The location, distribution and response service provided by Irish Coast Guard assets are kept under continuous review, with a view to development and improvement in the delivery of search and rescue services. The Irish Coast Guard is working to improve buildings around the coast and investment in new equipment is an ongoing process. Current projects include procurement of upgraded all-terrain vehicles and climbing unit vans.

I reassure all Irish Coast Guard staff and volunteers that there are no plans to discontinue or downgrade any of the services provided around the coast.  I again acknowledge and thank the courageous volunteers who are untiring in their commitment to provide a search and rescue service for their local communities.

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