Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senator Dooley for raising this issue. The Commissioners of Public Works work closely with the Irish Coast Guard service in respect of the provision of suitable facilities around the country. In this regard, they have been seeking a site for Doolin coast guard station for some time. This has proved to be a long drawn out process due to the lack of availability of suitable sites. A site has now been identified and the Commissioners of Public Works inform me that their valuers are in negotiation with the landowner in question in respect of a conditional offer for sale received from him. It is difficult to predict at this stage how long these negotiations could take. However, I wish to assure Senator Dooley that every effort is being made to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion.