Vol. 475 No. 1
300 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Marine if he will assist voluntary groups in the Dundalk area, County Louth in order to establish an inshore marine rescue service in the Dundalk Bay area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4222/97]
The Irish Marine Emergency Service, IMES, of my Department has coastal units based at Greenore and Clogherhead, County Louth. I am aware that a local group, based in the Greenore area, aims to establish an inshore rescue service. I am not aware of any other groups seeking to establish such a service. Information on the establishment of an inshore rescue service may be obtained from the water safety section of the National Safety Council.
I suggest that this service, once established, should apply for membership of the community inshore rescue service which is under the aegis of my Department. Information on membership requirements is available from IMES.
Lifeboat coverage for Carlingford Lough and Dundalk Bay is at present provided by the RNLI lifeboats stationed at Kilkeel, County Down and Clogherhead, County Louth.
