Volunteer rescue groups are going from strength to strength in Louth

Dundalk Democrat - Saturday 14th June 2003

Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, has said that Louth's volunteer search and rescue groups were going "from strength to strength" and praised the ongoing commitment of the volunteers who "work selflessly in the interest of saving lives on our waters."

The Minister was speaking in Greenore where he welcomed the delivery of a 4 wheeled drive vehicle and an Automated Transport Vehicle (ATV) and trailer to the Greenore Coast Guard Unit, and replacement ATV for Clogherhead Coast Guard Unit.

Minister Ahern said that the new equipment was part of an ongoing drive to re-equip and invest in volunteer rescue units right around the coast. "Marine and river rescue is an integral part of of society in any coastal county such as Louth and I am fully committed to supporting and enhancing the already excellent services being provided."

Minister Ahern has also stated that €6,000 will be paid to the Drogheda River and Sea Rescue in 2003, as part of the group's formal liaison with the Irish Coast Guard.

The Minister also announced that capital funding will be available for declared units for the first time, this year, which will allow Units such as Drogheda to apply for grant aid of up to 40% towards the cost of new rescue boats, stationhouses and launch vehicles.

The Minister also praised the work of the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service, who have a long history in search and recovery on the River Boyne and also at other locations around the country.

"I am encouraged and impressed with the dedication and bravery of Louth's Volunteer Rescue groups, who have saved countless lives along our coast and rivers, Minister Ahern said.

The Minister said that he has arranged for the Coast Guard's East Coast Marine Rescue Helicopter, to particpate in a search and rescue exercise, as part of events for the annual Blackrock Raft Race, at l.30p.m. next Sunday. The Helicopter crew will work with the RNLIs Clogherhead Lifeboat off Blackrock strand demonstrating the skills and procedures in performing marine rescues.

Minister Ahern urged watersports enthusiasts and holiday makers to take great care when participating in watersports or marine activities this summer. He is encouraging the public take more responsibility for water safety and a dedicated safety on the water website has been established at www.safetyonthewater.ie. The website contains several brocures on water safety for different boats and activities. It also contains a comprehensive list of boats licensed and certified too carry paying passengers.

Mr. John Murphy is Greenore Coast Guard's Area Officer and Mr. Martin Dawe is Art Officer for the Clogherhead Coast Guard Unit. Both lead a team of twelve volunteers, all of whom live within 5 minutes of the Stationhouse.

The teams are equipped with a van, area lighting equipment, first aid equipment and training, line throwing rescue gear, night search equipment, pyrotechnics and communications and paging systems.

The teams were involved in 10 rescue incidents in 2002 and carried out 24 Training exercises. The teams are also closely involved with marine safety awareness in the area and was heavily involved in the search and recovery of phosphorus containers on the North East Coast in 2000, and nightime capability.

The ATV's are supplied complete with a specially designed Coast Guard trailer.

In addition to the ATV, the Greenore Unit is being provided with a 4-Wheeled drive land Rover to replace their current vehicle, which is no longer suitable for their requirements.

© Dundalk Democrat