Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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937. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a new facility for the Coast Guard at a location (details supplied); when he expects this project to be commenced and to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1112/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The capital envelope through to 2016 available for the Coast Guard building programme makes provision for work to commence on  three new station houses for Coast Guard Units – one in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. Work on the new Coast Guard station for Doolin  in County Clare commenced in 2013.  Greystones and Westport are next in line.

The GreystonesCoast Guard Unit is a Search, Boat and Cliff Rescue Unit covering the area of coastline from Dublin Bay to Tuskar Rock. At present, the Unit operates from an old rocket house and has long been identified as being in need of more suitable facilities. A site was identified in the Greystones Harbour Plan.  The Office of Public Works is finalising the design of the station house and is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Local Authority in respect of certain key issues. The rate of progress on this project will depend on the timelines required for the various phases and the matter is being overseen and closely monitored by  the Coast Guard personnel in my Department.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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938. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the ongoing concerns regarding the future of the Malin Head Coast Guard station and marine rescue centre in County Donegal; and if he will give an assurance that the necessary staff numbers will be achieved to maintain a 24-hour emergency service. [1119/14]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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960. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce staffing levels and remove services at Malin Head Coast Guard station; his plans to deal with the upcoming retirements at the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1664/14]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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961. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Malin Head coastal radio station will remain open on a 24-hour basis in view of a recent article in a publication (details supplied) which suggested it was to be reduced to a 12-hour station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1665/14]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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962. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current staffing levels at Malin Head coastal radio station; the total number of hours and cost of overtime at the station for 2012 and 2013; the ideal number of whole-time equivalents required to provide a 24-hour service at the station without the need for overtime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1666/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 938 and 960 to 962, inclusive, together.

There are no plans to remove or reduce services from Malin Marine Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC). As the Deputies will be well aware, following the completion of the Value for Money reports into the Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office in 2012, I announced in July 2013, an Action Plan to address concerns raised in these reports regarding Ireland's maritime transport safety and marine emergency response regimes. In drawing up the Action Plan, one of the options considered by my Department was reducing the service available at Malin MRSC to that of daytime only. However following careful consideration of the options it was decided that Malin should be maintained on a 24 hour basis but that greater efficiencies using advanced technologies and improved working processes were required across the three rescue coordination centres (Dublin, Malin and Valentia).

In relation to staffing levels and retirements, the review of resources needed at the Coast Guard Centres identified a requirement for 40 Radio Officers to ensure adequate cover in the three centres. However, as already indicated, in order to support this staffing complement, advanced technologies and integrated working processes are required across the three centres. Currently, an additional 2 Radio Officers are required to bring the staff complement to 40 and arrangements are in train to provide for these additional staff. My Department will seek sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to fill vacancies as they arise up to the minimum staffing levels of 40 Officers.

The current staffing in Malin is 12 Radio Officers. The total number of hours and cost of overtime at the station for 2012 and 2013 is as follows: