Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Jack Chambers TD, officially opened the newly constructed Coast Guard station in Bonmahon, Co. Waterford.
Following a significant investment by the Department of Transport of €5.2m, the volunteers at the Bonmahon Coast Guard unit will now take up residency at their new facility. Over the past three years, Bonmahon Coast Guard Unit attended 89 incidents and this new facility will enhance the Coast Guard activities undertaken by the unit.
Minister of State Chambers commented, “the men and women of our Coast Guard undertake incredible, lifesaving work – often in the very worst conditions – and it essential they are supported in their role which is at the very heart of our coastal communities.”
“The opening of this €5.2m station house, which is the first new Coast Guard building since 2014, marks the ongoing commitment by the Department of Transport in developing the volunteer service. The Coast Guard, through the building programme is committed to the ongoing construction of rescue stations around the coast. The new station provides state-of-the-art facilities including training rooms, operations rooms, offices, garage space, welfare facilities and vehicle parking. It will serve the Bonmahon Coast Guard unit and the public for many decades to come.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan said, “on behalf of my colleagues in the OPW, I am pleased to announce that the construction of the new Coast Guard station in Bonmahon is now complete. This purpose-built facility will provide the Unit and volunteers with modern accommodation and significantly improved storage facilities. The commitment and dedication of the volunteers is second to none and I am delighted that this new facility will assist them in delivering this invaluable service along the South East Coast.”
As Minister of State with responsibility for the Coast Guard, Minister Chambers presented the 200th year commemorative ‘Proof of Service at a Wreck’ tokens to the Bonmahon unit to acknowledge the IRCG’s 200th anniversary since 1822.
Ahead of presenting the tokens, Minister Chambers said, “these tokens are a symbol of appreciation for the work the volunteers do in search and rescue. And as the final unit of the 44 units to be awarded these tokens, I am delighted it coincides with the opening of this new station.”
