Coast Guard upgrades follow busy summer

The Irish Coast Guard has launched a new website offering water and coastal safety advice, recruitment information and news, following a summer in which incidents rose by 11%.

The service has responded to 2,500 incidents so far this year, with 4,218 people receiving lifesaving assistance, according to figures released with the announcement.

Minister of State Seán Canney launched coastguard.gov.ie as part of a wider programme to improve the service’s equipment, facilities, training and support for volunteers.

He also brought an update on the programme to Cabinet.

For Dublin, the changes include the operation of a helicopter base at Weston under the new Coast Guard aviation contract.

The other helicopter bases are in Sligo, Shannon and Waterford, with a new fixed-wing aircraft service also operating from Shannon.

A programme to replace the existing search and rescue boat fleet is also underway.

The first new vessel is expected next year, with further deliveries taking place in phases up to 2031.

The replacement fleet will include rigid hull inflatable boats and inshore rescue boats.

Boat crews are also receiving new operational suits, while drone capability is being expanded to support operations across a wider range of conditions.

Technology improvements include replacing IT equipment across all 44 Coast Guard units.

Future plans include a mobile paging and alert system, a volunteer management system and tools to improve communication, training and coordination.

Work is also planned on software to model drifting at sea, alongside replacement alerting and national communications systems.

The programme, called Stewardship – Leading Together, has included an organisational review and an independent review of the Coast Guard volunteer role.

Changes are intended to strengthen governance, engineering expertise, volunteer support and emergency coordination.

Training, leadership and recognition programmes are also being developed, alongside initiatives to support female participation in search and rescue operations.

“Volunteers and staff support a 24/7 service, providing reassurance and peace of mind to all those who live, travel and work along our coastline,” Minister Canney said.

He said the programme’s progress could be seen in improvements to equipment, technology and facilities, as well as support for recruitment, training and safety.

Reviews have also begun of the National Search and Rescue Plan and the national contingency plan for maritime oil and hazardous substance spills.

The new website provides a dedicated public resource for information about the service and advice on staying safe around the coast and on the water.

Further information is available at coastguard.gov.ie