Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State. As he can imagine, my frustration is minimal by comparison with that of the Coast Guard and those who support and work with it in Courtown. It serves from Cahore right up to Arklow and beyond. The latest development does represent progress. Although the Minister of State cannot give me a complete timetable, he said the project will be completed by the time the lease for the parochial hall in Courtown will have expired. We are two years into a five-year lease, so I anticipate that since the Coast Guard cannot rely on divine assistance and will have to return to relying on the assistance of the OPW, it can be assured, within three years, that this process will continue.

There seems to be significant progress, although we had circumstances before whereby the OPW entered into discussions with the landowner but took so long that the landowner moved on with the sale. I appreciate that the matter is commercially sensitive but I would like assurances that we will move as quickly as possible. It is critical for this vital service for our coastal communities that we ensure that we get a state-of-the-art facility for the people of north Wexford and south Wicklow. More important than communicating more details to me, the OPW should communicate directly with the Coast Guard and the team in Courtown so they will be aware of the future plans.

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