New Westport Coast Guard Station moves a step closer

A PLANNING application for a new Coast Guard Station at Westport Harbour has been lodged with Mayo County Council.

The Commissioners for Public Works in Ireland advertised their intention today (Friday) in a national newspaper to apply to Mayo County Council for permission to construct the new base to facilitate the Irish Coast Guard rescue services for local emergency rescues.

It will be located adjacent to the old boat house on lands which were owned by Mayo County Council.

The proposed building will consist of a gently sloping grass bank, a single storey boathouse and vehicle store, a single storey link and a three-storey accommodation block. The building will have a combined floor area of 890 spare metres and a maximum overall roof height of 14 metres above the adjacent public road level.

There will be a new access road to the west of the site and a new vehicular access point to the north east corner of the site, three flag poles, one radio aerial mast and entrance signage, as well as provision for 13 car parking spaces.

Welcoming the news, Minister of State Michael Ring said: “I am absolutely delighted this state-of-the-art project has finally gone to the planning stage. The new station is badly needed in Westport and a site was identified by the Office of Public Works (OPW) at Westport Harbour some time ago. This will be a further boost for Westport Quay, which has undergone significant rejuvenation in recent years.

“This will be a vital life-saving facility. Westport Coast Guard was founded in 2003 in response to a review of potential incidents and search and rescue coverage along the Mayo coastline.

“The group have many dedicated volunteers who are highly trained and must be commended for their hard work in what can, at times, be difficult conditions. This new base will be an important part of the group’s work.”