Coast Guard Service
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-14
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Alan Dillon (FG), Mayo

I thank Deputy Byrne for continuing his advocacy in regard to the delivery of the Courtown Coast Guard station. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. The Courtown Coast Guard unit provides an important and valued service along a busy section of coastline, supporting maritime safety and search and rescue operations in the area. The unit is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers who continue to deliver a coastal response and unmanned aerial system capability. Their contribution to the local community and maritime users is widely recognised. The Courtown unit operates from a parish-owned premises under a license agreement. This facility provides suitable welfare for operational accommodation and support, supporting the unit effectively in carrying out its duties. It represents a practical and functional solution which ensures continuity of service.
The Irish Coast Guard building strategy, developed by the Department of Transport in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, was launched by the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, in November 2025. This provides a structured and consistent framework for the delivery of Coast Guard infrastructure nationally. The strategy sets out a clear approach to ensuring that all Coast Guard units operate from a safe, modern and fit-for-purpose facility, while also ensuring the public investment is managed in a responsible and proportional manner.
Progress continues to be made across the wider Coast Guard building programme. A new Coast Guard station was delivered in Westport and officially opened by the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, earlier this year, while construction of the new facility at Greystones has commenced and is on track for substantial completion in early 2027. A number of additional projects are also progressing nationally and are at various stages, including feasibility, site identification, design and delivery.
In the case of Courtown, the current premises aligns with the strategic approach set out in the building strategy. The facility is meeting operational requirements and providing sustainable suitable accommodation for volunteers. In this context it is appropriate that consideration be given to whether the existing premises can be secured but also enhanced on a longer-term basis rather than proceeding immediately to a more capital-intensive solution. The objective remains, which is to ensure that any solution delivered is sustainable, supports operational need and represents value for money for the Exchequer. This requires a balanced and evidence-based approach, taking account of local circumstances, available options and the wider Coast Guard infrastructure programme.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-14