A new €5.2 million coast guard station has been officially opened on the Waterford coast to help 18 volunteers continue to provide a vital emergency service.
The new station at Bonmahon is designed to serve the Irish Coast Guard and the public for decades to come.
It includes shower and changing facilities, as well as an emergency operations' room, communications room and radio desk, kitchen and office spaces and garage for three cliff rescue vehicles.
The building replaced the previous station, which comprised a portakabin and "rocket house," or historic station which was used for generations.
Irish Coast Guard units and support manager Niall Ferns said the service is very much a community and volunteer-led one and also needs a support structure behind it.
"That is extremely important for us to do what we do," he said.
Mr Ferns paid tribute to all the local volunteers, led by station director Brian Fleming, who, he said "is a credit to the unit".
Director of the Irish Coast Guard Micheál O'Toole said it is a "justifiably proud day" for Bonmahon, the Waterford area and the entire service.
The coast guard has a "singular and unmatched pedigree" of dedication and duty to the Irish coast, he said.
"Our 44 coast guard units, based along the coast and inland, are an essential service for the Irish public," Mr O'Toole added.
He said there have been challenging times for the coast guard and paid tribute to the crew of the R116 helicopter, who were killed when it crashed on the Mayo coast, and volunteer Catriona Lucas who died while taking part in a rescue in Doolin.
"We remember all of those who have given their lives in the service of others and their communities."
Among those present at today's opening was Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers, who said the new station is welcome.
"The men and women of our coast guard undertake incredible, life-saving work - often in the very worst conditions - and it is essential they are supported in their role, which is at the very heart of our coastal communities."
He said the opening of the €5.2 million facility, the first of its kind to open since 2014, marks "the ongoing commitment" by the Department of Transport in developing the volunteer service.
"The coast guard, through the building programme, is committed to the ongoing construction of rescue stations around the coast."
Construction work on the new station was organised by the Office of Public Works and the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O'Donovan, was also present for today's opening ceremony.
"The commitment and dedication of the volunteers is second to none and I am delighted that this new facility will assist them in delivering this invaluable service along the southeast coast," he said.
