Mary has over 9,000 signatures and she's looking for more

Dundalk Democrat - Saturday 18th May 2002

IT will be recalled where a few weeks ago we carried a story under the heading which stated that an Ardee lady was leading a campaign to have 'Voice Page System' restored to the members of the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Garda Coastwatch Service.

Some time back the service on which the Boyne Fishermen used to be called out, was swithced off.

However, they have received great backing from the members of the families who have lost love ones through drowning tragedies. Those families headed by Ardee woman, Mary Johnson, from John Street, have set about getting a petition of support signed by the public. Recently, Mary said that they have so far got more than 9,500 signatures of support.

"These will be sent to the various Government Departments, Governments Ministers, and local authorities. We want the voice paging system restored and we will continue until it is" She said.

The members of the families who have lost loved ones through drowning tragedies were very proud to be asked to represent the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service, and Garda Coastwatch, in a meeting with President Mary McAleese on her recent visit to Ardee.

Ms Johnson said that President McAleese lauded the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue Recovery and Garda toastwatch for their voluntary work all over the country.

Mary said that the service provided by the Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery is completely voluntary.

She continued: "They receive no funding from any Government body or department. All monies raised from very generous donations by, the public, go towards purchasing and maintaining their equipment, and updating their service. They are always there when needed. They were there for us from the beginning, until the end. Our heartfelt thanks go to them always".

Mrs Johnson concluded: "We the families call for the introduction of the voice-control paging system for all river rescue services, so when the first emergency call is received, all the rescue services know where the person in trouble is, without delay. That is what counts.

Mary said that they expect the numbers signing the petition to increase in the weeks ahead. "We will keep up the fight to have the voice paging system restored".

© Dundalk Democrat