Written answers

Tuesday, 15 November 2005

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Search and Rescue Service

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, further to Question No. 246 of 29 June 2004 in which it was stated by way of a response that the Irish Coastguard and Office of Public Works were together giving top priority to the project for a Doolin search and rescue centre under the station house building programme, the progress which has been made regarding the project; if a site has been acquired; if not, when it is envisaged that a site will be acquired; the envisaged timetable for the building of a station house from the time of the site purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33925/05]

James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in providing the Doolin coastguard and rescue service with proper facilities following the announcement by his Department and the Office of Public Works eight years ago that a new station would be erected at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34160/05]

Photo of Pat GallagherPat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 314 together.

I am very conscious of the need for a new station house for the coastal unit at Doolin, County Clare and I would like to see it provided as quickly as possible. The Irish Coast Guard, IRCG, of the Department and the Office of Public Works have been doing everything they can to acquire a suitable site in the area, but despite intensive local discussions and negotiations it has not been possible to reach agreement for a site to date.

Real progress was made in negotiations in 2004 and it had been expected that a deal would be agreed, but due to circumstances beyond the control of IRCG and the Office of Public Works the negotiations were not successful. Despite this setback however, efforts were intensified again this year and discussions with a landowner are now at a very advanced stage. In view of the need for strict confidentiality in the managing of such negotiations it would not be judicious to elaborate upon the discussions at this time in the House. As soon as an agreement is reached my Department will move to complete the development as quickly as possible.

I would like to compliment the Doolin coastal unit for the excellent search and rescue work they have undertaken over many years, some of it in very difficult circumstances. While it is regrettable that attempts to acquire a site have not met with success to date, the provision of a new station house for the Doolin team remains a top priority for me.

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