The people of Schull in west Cork are funding a lifeboat to be crewed by local volunteers.
Hundreds of boats gather in Schull for the big August holiday sailing festival known as Calves Week.
Schull is a classic boating centre at the heart of what are known as the hundred islands of the Carberry region.
This year, for the first time, the boats will have the safety of a local lifeboat service. The Schull community raised over €300,000 to pay for the lifeboat.
Ger Prendeville says that the people of Schull recognised the need for a lifeboat service and came together to raise the necessary funds. Stephen O'Keefe, of the Schull Lifeboat says local people had a vested interest in the provision of the service.
There's a huge community here that are involved in the sea.
The lifeboat is operated from a new boathouse built by the community on land provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Local Headmaster Tim O'Connor says that the town is experiencing an increase in interest in sailing. Many young people are now participating in sailing through the Schull Training Centre. Sailing is an important part of the community and generates significant revenue for the local economy.
Among the crew of the 21 foot boat are local fishermen and all of the crew paid for their own training to gain coast guard approval.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 August 2008. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.
