Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date regarding the development of a permanent Irish Coastguard base in west Connemara, County Galway, particularly the progress made with site selection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45624/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Transport oversees the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) building programme, which ensures that Coast Guard stations along the coast are fit for purpose. This programme is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), covering planning, design, construction, and ongoing maintenance.

As previously communicated, the Cleggan Unit is a priority within the IRCG Building Programme. Currently, a review of the initial feasibility study is underway. In this process, the OPW has identified an alternative, less restrictive location within the proposed Airstrip site that may be suitable for the Coast Guard Station. Discussions with the landowner regarding the acquisition of this alternative site have recommenced.

Additionally, the Cleggan building project is part of a larger project pipeline that involves ongoing high-level collaboration between my department and the OPW. This collaboration aims to continue building on the significant progress achieved to date and to ensure a strategic approach to the advancement of the Building Programme.