Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a new Coastguard building at Howth; and the amount that has been spent on this project to date.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40350/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Transport recently completed a lease agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Fishery and the Marine (DAFM) for the Howth Coast Guard Building and an adjacent area of land at the back of the building. The area of land was acquired for several reasons including:

- Secure storage for Coast Guard vehicles

- Secure interim storage of the Howth Coast Guard boat

- Provision for future expansion of the station and boat storage area

The recently acquired area of land will need to be resurfaced and fenced in order to secure the site for public liability protection and to secure storage of the Coast Guard Boat and equipment. This is the only current work proposed at Howth Coast Guard station.

The OPW, who are managing this work on behalf of the Department, confirmed that the works are subject to an application for planning permission to Fingal County Council. A detailed site survey, to enable design of proposed works for planning application, needs to be undertaken. No costs have been incurred to date.