Coast Guard Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Questions (127)

Joe McHugh

Question:

127. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the time constraints and potential vehicular blockages faced by the Coast Guard when launching its emergency boats at Rosapenna, Downings, County Donegal; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that during a recent launch, time was lost following a call-out on Mulroy Bay which could have had devastating consequences for the water users in difficulty (details supplied) and lastly; if his attention has been further drawn to the local Coast Guard’s need for a slipway which will alleviate these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44413/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

There have been discussions with Coast Guard officials and Donegal County Council regarding the opening of an access further down toward the slipway to mitigate this issue. This issue was once again raised at a recent meeting between Council officials and the Coast Guard who will continue to pursue this as a priority.

Unfortunately, illegal parking is a problem for many Coast Guard Units during the busy Summer period. In the case of the Mulroy Unit, the Coast Guard, An Garda Síochana and Donegal County Council have been very active in trying to move parked vehicles that block access to the slipway and to also highlight this issue to the public.