Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. That sounds like a very reasonable suggestion. I will convey it to the Minister of State and his officials in the OPW to see if they can link with him on when such a meeting could be arranged.

I echo the Senator's comments about the vital work being carried out by the Coast Guard. It is only right and proper that the Government supports it in its vital work by providing it with facilities that are fit for purpose. We are all very clear that the current facilities in Courtown are not fit for purpose. The situation is not sustainable. While all remedial works possible have been carried out there is a need for a new site and a purpose-built facility. I appreciate that the situation is frustrating from the Senator's point of view in that the Government is committed to the project from the point of view of capital funding. This is not a funding issue; it is a matter of finding a site and securing it as quickly as possible. I hear the Senator's frustration. I will take the matter back to the Minister of State and the OPW and ask that they arrange a meeting with him.