Coast Guard Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2022

Wednesday, 1 June 2022

Questions (74)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 2 March 2022, the status of the development of the proposed coastguard station on the lands designated for an airstrip in Cleggan; if a planning application has been submitted to date; the engagement that his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department have had with the Department of Rural and Community Development with regard to progressing this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28529/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

My Department is responsible for the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) building programme – essentially aimed at ensuring Coast Guard Units along the coast are fit for purpose. The programme is managed through  the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to build and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance as necessary from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.

The provision of a new Coast Guard  station for the  Cleggan Unit has been a priority on the Building Programme for the IRCG  for a number of years.

The OPW have been in contact with the Department of Community and Rural Development regarding the potential use of some of their land for the provision of this much needed facility. 

A feasibility study has been completed and a potentially suitable site has been identified.

The discussions with the Department of Community & Rural Development have been positive and the OPW are now commencing the pre-planning process in advance to the preparation of a planning application to the statutory authority.