07/09/2012

After €1m Refit Mail Head Coast Guard Faces Closure

It has been revealed that the historic Coast Guard station in Malin Head, recently refurbished at a cost of €1m, may be closed within six weeks.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar may shut the Co Donegal station as part of a review of services, the Valentia facility in Co Kerry is also under threat.

All operations would transfer to just one centre in Dublin.

Last night supporters turned out in force, including local Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh, to show their support for divisional controller Derek Flanagan and his 12 staff who service the station 24 hours a day.

They heard Mr Flanagan warn that the service remained "vital" for public safety, with almost 400 incidents a year.

"There has been an investment of more than €1m in the station and it is now equipped for the future," he said.

"Morale is quite low at the moment because we are waiting on this decision and we are hoping that decision will be positive for Malin Head. We have been watching out for shipping since 1805 and round the clock since 1913. We believe we are in the best position to continue to do that into the future.

"We've had tremendous support from local people and from seafarers from around the world," he added.

(H)


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