Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Marine Safety.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

153 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed at the possible implications for marine safety of the proposal to close down the marine co-ordination rescue centre in Dublin; the position in regard to this proposal; the steps he is taking to ensure that there will be no reduction in safety cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26293/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern):

I am aware of concerns expressed by staff and others about the decision to transfer the services provided by the Dublin Marine Emergency Co-ordination Centre to the Valentia and Malin Head stations.

It is important to stress that the capability of the coast guard to co-ordinate and manage incidents will not be diminished in any way as a result of the closure of the Dublin rather than the Valentia or Malin Head centres, nor will the decision affect the very significant emergency response resources on the ground, which will remain available to the coast guard on a year-round 24-hour basis.

The decision to transfer the services from Dublin was taken on foot of a study of the coast guard services undertaken by independent consultants. Reflecting advances in modern communications technologies, the consultants recommended that the coast guard should operate two control centres as opposed to the three centres that exist at present. This approach will have the effect of achieving significant cost savings, thus enabling other elements of the coast guard service to be developed, which in turn will lead to further improvements in our marine emergency response services nationally.

My objective is that the remaining two centres at Valentia and Malin will be developed to handle all emergencies around our coast, on inland waters and in relation to mountain, cliff and cave rescue. Communications technology today is such that the geographical location of the co-ordination centres is less important now than in the past.

Coast guard management are examining all issues relating to the operation of the two centres going forward, including establishing what measures will be necessary to effect a smooth transfer from Dublin to the other two centres while ensuring that full co-ordination capability is maintained at all time.