A new purpose-built Coast Guard station has been officially opened in Westport in Co Mayo.
The station was officially opened by the Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney TD, along with the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran.
The project cost €6.8 million and was delivered as part of the Irish Coast Guard Building Programme.
It was described as a "significant milestone" in the ongoing development of Ireland's national search and rescue infrastructure.
The site, secured through Mayo County Council, lies within the Clew Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation.
Speaking at today’s opening, Minister Canney said: "The facility will significantly strengthen the operational capability of the Westport Unit, whose volunteers work tirelessly, often in difficult conditions, to protect lives along our coast and inland waterways."
"Today’s opening reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard has the modern infrastructure it needs to carry out its critical work," Minister Canned said.
The project was managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport.
OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, said the facility will equip the Irish Coast Guard with the necessary infrastructure it needs to carry out critical work.
"The dedication of the volunteers who regularly face challenging conditions to protect lives along our coast and inland waterways is truly exceptional," Minister Moran said.
"This will significantly enhance volunteer welfare and local emergency response capability, supporting the Coast Guard’s mission to provide effective maritime and coastal search and rescue services in the region."
The Westport Coast Guard Unit was established more than 20 years ago.
The service consists of 28 highly trained volunteer members who provide round-the-clock water and land-based search and rescue services across a large area from Killary Harbour to Mulranny.
