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Border links could save Coast
Guard
12.11.12
AN SDLP MLA has sought
the support of the Northern Ireland Office in a bid
to ensure the Malin Head Coast Guard station remains
open.
John Dallat MLA contacted Minister of State, Mike
Penning MP, informing him of the threat hanging over
the country's most northerly Coast Guard.
“When Mike Penning was Minister for Transport in
Westminster he was instrumental in keeping the Coast
Guard station at Bangor, Co Down, open and he made
his judgement on the basis that Bangor had a special
working relationship with Malin Head which was
critical to ensuring there was a complete coverage
of all areas," said Mr Dallat. |
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The Irish Coast Guard station at
Malin Head. |
“It would be ironic now
if Malin Head, which saved Bangor, was itself to be
victim of closure. That must not happen and I
believe Mr Penning’s support is an important element
in this campaign which must not fail." Mr Dallat
raised the issue with Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and
Department of Foreign Affairs officials during their
weekend visit to the North.He is also researching
historical documents which he believes set out "very
clear undertakings" for Malin Head Coast Guard
station after it was handed over to the State in
1950.
"I am sure these relate to future relationships with
the Coast Guards in the North, the very issue which
I have been campaigning about," he said.
“When the government finally makes a decision I do
hope that Malin Head will continue as a
fully-functional Coast Guard station with increased
responsibilities and a guaranteed future for another
100 years serving the people in the way it has.” |
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