Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for Transport if a report was carried out by senior coast guard executives in relation to the proposed new coast guard station; if so, the reason this report is not available under the Freedom of Information Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33881/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that I have recently confirmed that new equipment should be procured to operate two fully manned marine rescue centres. I have also confirmed that locating one on the east coast and one on the west coast is the preferred option and that the east coast centre should be co-located with the HQ.

In relation to the west coast I consider that the site should provide a technically robust location and also be situated where all the staff at the centre can live within close proximity to enable them to be called on in an emergency. The Centres should be within a within a reasonable distance of each other to facilitate resilience and mutual support in the event of the loss of one centre, facilitate staff training and development and reduce associated costs. I have not yet decided where that location should be. The work to determine the best west coast site is in progress.

For the information of the Deputy I will provide him with a copy of a submission to me of the 5th October 2007 which provided the background to these decisions. If the Deputy would like a copy of the Deloitte and Touche Study, he should contact my office and a copy will be forwarded to him.