Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can clarify matters relating to the Irish Coast Guard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31342/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Kilkee Coast Guard Unit are not limited to operating solely within the confines of Kilkee Bay. The Kilkee Coast Guard Unit is permitted to and regularly operates, both for training and tasking, beyond the confines of Kilkee Bay.

All Coast Guard Units including Kilkee Coast Guard Unit operate under a comprehensive safety management system which defines standard operating parameters. Standard operating parameters are a product of the prevailing conditions, marine area risk identification and vessel characteristics.

The Kilkee Coast Guard Unit is fully operational as a boat unit and a coastal shore-based search unit. The Kilkee coastal area inside and outside Kilkee bay is covered by a combination of Kilkee Coast Guard Unit and the Coast Guard helicopter R115 from Shannon. Should other resources be required at any time to support these resources, flank units including Doolin Coast Guard Boat, Aran Island Lifeboat, Kilrush Lifeboat and Fenit Lifeboat can be mobilised where appropriate conditions apply.

The Kilkee Coast Guard Unit is staffed by a team of dedicated, local volunteers committed to the provision of search and rescue services in the Kilkee area. There have been numerous initiatives to support volunteer recruitment in Coast Guard Units including Kilkee. This has included:

Review and update of the IRCG Volunteer application process

Introduction of eVetting to expedite the application process

Open Day held in Kilkee Coast Guard Station

Media advertisement of Kilkee Coast Guard Station Open Day

National social media campaign and videos highlighting the work or Coast Guard Units and the role of IRCG Volunteers.

Local social media campaigns to highlight vacancies

School visits to promote awareness of IRCG and the role of volunteers.

Additionally, volunteer recruitment is among the areas under review as part of the IRCG Programme of Transformation.