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Dáil hears Malin Coast Guard fears
10.07.12
INISHOWEN TDs, Pádraig
MacLochlainn and Charlie McConalogue have been
speaking in the Dáil this evening on the future of
Malin Head Coast Guard station.
Fears have been raised this week after a value for
money review of the Irish Coast Guard recommended
the closure of Malin Head Station.
“This report raises fresh concerns for the future of
what is an excellent and life-saving service in
Donegal and across the North West region,” said
Deputy McConalogue.
“Malin Head has provided an invaluable service for
over a century now and its staff are highly trained
and experienced. It has been an important part of
life right across the North West coast, and its loss
would be deeply felt by the fishing community,
sports enthusiasts and visitors.
“The centre is currently undergoing an extensive
upgrade with the installation of new equipment to
ensure that it is well positioned to continue to
provide this service to the highest possible
standard into the future. The notion that all of
this work could go to waste and service could be
removed entirely is a disgrace,” said Deputy
McConalogue. |
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The Irish Coast Guard station at
Malin Head. |
Meanwhile, Deputy
MacLochlainn said: “The Malin Head Marine Rescue Sub
Centre is currently closed for extensive renovations
following a long campaign by local public
representatives, community activists, and the entire
community in the North West to secure the long-term
future of the centre/ station.
“The recommendation by Fisher consultants to close
the Malin Head MRSC while substantial renovations
are on-going is plain daft. The Minister needs to
immediately reject this suggestion."
He added: "In November 2003, the people of Malin
Head, Inishowen and the North West were assured that
the then Minister for Communications, Marine, and
Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern would act on the
Deloitte/Touche report at that time and make Malin
Head and Valentia the two centres to operate the
Marine Rescue Coordination Centre in the state. "Not
only were these centres to be maintained, the third
Dublin centre was to be phased out and they were to
be upgraded in terms of technological capacity and
personnel." |
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