NOVEMBER 2007

Rescue Unit Promise

Greencastle is being considered as the site for the hotly-debated new Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC).

Moville based senator Cecelia Keaveney said: "The unit in Greencastle is one of the most progressive in the country. Given this recognition of what does operate at the most progressive level in the country I have asked the Minister (Marine minister Noel Dempsey) to therefore examine closely our case for the MRCC."

Meanwhile Minister Dempsey has again moved to allay fears that Malin or Valentia will be closed or be disposed of as Irish Coast Guard locations. He said: "The decision on the co-ordination centre does not affect the voluntary emergency response teams.

However, Senator Keaveney added that there were still difficult decisions ahead to be made. She said: "I do not underestimate, however, that the skills involved in the new facility will be very specialised. "But the educational expertise and support can be offered in the northwest and I have asked the minister to include east Donegal in the examination currently taking place to find the appropriate site for the major investment."

Back