Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress of a development (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48886/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Irish Coast Guard, a Division within the Department of Transport, has 44 Volunteer Units based around the coast of Ireland. The Coast Guard building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities for volunteers, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department.

The construction of a new Coast Guard Station in Westport, Co. Mayo commenced in March 2024 comprising a two-storey accommodation block, a single storey boathouse and vehicle store.

The construction project has been making steady progress in line with expectation. As the project is now approaching substantial completion, officials from my Department and the OPW recently visited the site in Westport, Co. Mayo in August 2025 to inspect the site and review the progress to date.

The overall progress on the site construction is progressing well and is scheduled for completion in November 2025.

The projected cost of the new Westport Coast Guard Station is €6,879,000. The project budget remains on track and it is envisaged that the final cost will be contained within the projected allocation. The Department, working with the OPW, will continue to monitor the project closely to ensure delivery within the approved budgetary parameters.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on a development (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48888/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Department of Transport is responsible for the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) building programme, which is funded by the Department as Approving Authority under the Infrastructure Guidelines. The Office of Public Works (OPW) acts as Contracting Authority, overseeing all aspects of project delivery - from planning and design through to construction and ongoing maintenance.

The IRCG delivers the State’s maritime search and rescue (SAR) responsibility through a SAR aviation contract and network of 44 strategically located Coast Guard Units staffed by volunteers. The primary objective of the building programme is to enhance maritime emergency response through the provision of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for IRCG volunteers.

The Department of Transport, in close partnership with the OPW, is committed to ensuring IRCG units nationwide are supported by facilities that meet the highest standards for operational readiness and public safety while also delivering value for money for the Exchequer.

New accommodation for the Ballyglass & Belmullet Coast Guard Unit is included as one of the priorities on the Coast Guard programme.

As part of a broader transformation programme across the IRCG, a key focus has been the undertaking of a review of how facilities are provided for our IRCG Volunteers, with specifications that are appropriate to requirements. This exercise has involved extensive engagement with the OPW, and it is expected that an agreed strategy document, with an associated implementation plan and prioritisation methodology, will be finalised before the end of this year