Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
149. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the operational limits for D-class and delta 7.9 m coastguard boats in Kilkee, County Clare taking into consideration its geographic area, weather conditions and seasonal time frames; and if Kilkee coastguard station is fully operational to allow call-outs for both boats. [45193/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraKilkee Coast Guard Unit operate a D-Class boat in line with the established Coast Guard operating parameters for these boats. The Kilkee Unit has also been provided with a 7.9m Delta RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) for which the crews are currently undergoing training. When this is achieved, Kilkee CGU will have both the D-Class and the 7.9m Delta RHIB available for operational taskings.
Coast Guard operating parameters for D-Class boats are to operate in conditions up to Beaufort Force 5 winds, a maximum significant wave height of 1.5m and up to 2 nautical miles from the coastline. IRCG 7.9m Delta class boats operate up to Beaufort Force 6 winds, a maximum significant wave height of 2.0m and up to 6 nautical miles from the coastline.
