Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has given approval for the construction of a new Volunteer Coast Guard Station in Doolin, Co Clare.
The €1.8 million project, to be overseen by the Office of Public Works, will be tendered within a matter of weeks with construction expected to start in early April.
Doolin Volunteer Coast Guard unit is one of the busiest units in the country and operates a cliff rescue team, a boat unit and shoreline search team. The 24 member team is supported by seven additional volunteers located on nearby Inisheer.
The Doolin unit was featured on the recent RTE programme – Ireland’s Search & Rescue, conducting cliff and boat rescue operations.
The unit currently operates out of an premises and a nearby rented farm shed. The new station will provide a garage area for the storage of boats, cliff rescue, personal equipment and transport as well as changing facilities and an operations room.
Minister Varadkar said: ‘I am delighted to be able to confirm funding for the new Doolin Coast Guard Station. I am very conscious of the demands placed on the unit and I am keen to provide them with a base to so they can continue to serve their community and the many visitors to the Doolin area, including the Cliffs of Moher’.
“In both 2012 and 2011 the Doolin unit responded to over 40 call outs each year. This is a long term investment in the Doolin area and acknowledges the efforts and service that the volunteers continue to provide.”
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