Coast Guard Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Questions (103)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current up-to-date position regarding a new coastguard building in Howth; and the amount that has been spent on this project to date. [40114/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Howth Coast Guard Unit operates from a fully equipped station building in the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre that was built by the Office of Public Works in 2001.

There is currently no requirement for a new station for the Howth Unit, however, the Coast Guard Station is currently a priority on the Irish Coast Guard Building Maintenance Programme for a proposed extension to the rear of the station, to facilitate a larger vehicle store.

IRCG requires a lease agreement for the site on which the station is built, and the adjoining site, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) before this project can be progressed any further.

A draft lease was issued by DAFM which is currently being negotiated between the DoT and DAFM legal representatives in the CSSO. The project will progress to the design phase on finalisation of the lease.