New €5m Coast Guard facility officially opened in Waterford
A new €5m Coast Guard Station has been officially opened in Waterford.
Fine Gael Senator John Cummins joined his party colleague Minister of State with special responsibility for OPW Patrick O’Donovan TD and Fianna Fail Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers at the official opening of the new multi million-euro Bonmahon Coastguard Station on Monday, December 11, 2023.
Senator Cummins said: “I’m delighted to be back in Bonmahon for the official opening this morning. It is a little over a year from when the sod was turned on the project in September 2022. Minister Hildegarde Naughton turned the sod last year and to be back here less than 15 months later to see the quality of the project which has been completed is absolutely amazing.
"Huge credit has to go to the contractors for delivering this state of the art facility which will serve the community for generations to come."
He added: “Last year when we visited the site, it was clear that the portacabin and rocket house were inadequate to cater for the needs of the Irish Coastguard. The fact that there were no showering facilities for the amazing volunteers who give of their time and put their own lives at risk to help others was completely unacceptable and that is why the government has invested over €5 million in a new station which comprises of a garage for 3 Cliff Rescue Vehicles, an Emergency Operations Room, toilets, IT Comms Room/ Radio Desk, Shower and Changing Rooms, plant room areas, storage rooms, and external services compounds.”
Senator Cummins concluded by saying: “I would like to thank the fantastic Bonmahon Coast Guard team for the amazing work that they do in all weather conditions. I know they have a very accomplished team that have been involved in many rescue missions and this new build project is testament to their tireless work on behalf of the community. Today is a monumental day for our coastal communities especially along the copper coast and this new station will stand as a symbol of service for generations to come."