“In the current climate we are fortunate that State funding could be provided to meet the very obvious need for a Coast Guard Response Boat of this type, to operate in the River Moy, Killala Bay and the North Mayo coastline. Most importantly we have a well-trained competent and committed local volunteer unit that have the skills to operate this craft.
“Killala Coast Guard Unit is one of 50 Volunteer Coast Guard Units, (CGUs) strategically located round our coast, all the way from Greencastle in North Donegal to Greenore in County Louth. All of these Volunteer Units are primarily trained to act as shoreline search units with some in addition trained to conduct cliff rescue and boat operations.
“Killala, is designated as a search, cliff rescue and boat unit and is one of only 15 Coast Guard Units that is equipped to provide all three services. It covers the challenging waters of the North Mayo coast and approaches to Donegal Bay. The unit is also at the heart of the local community and willingly responds to any problem in conjunction with the other emergency services.
“The people of this area and indeed the many visitors to North Mayo are fortunate that they can count on the excellent service provided by Killala Volunteer Coast Guard Unit, ably led by its Officer In Charge, Tony Culkin. Time and time again they can be counted upon to provide an excellent response service to anybody getting into difficulty in these parts, coupled with support and encouragement, which unfortunately can include support for the bereaved.
“It is therefore fitting that this vibrant unit was provided with a brand new state of the art 8 metre RIB, or Rigid Inflatable Boat. It is indicative of both the demands placed on our Coast Guard Volunteers and indeed a tribute to the professionalism of the Killala Unit, that they are able to operate a boat of this type. The new RIB is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 knots, and is equipped with AIS, GPS navigation, and modern communications equipment.
“I am delighted to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of the team, all volunteers, whose only motivation is to serve their community. We are fortunate that we can count on the Killala unit to provide such a valuable service with 24/7 availability. I take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication, for their service and for their professionalism. This unit meets on a weekly basis to train and rehearse for a whole range of maritime emergencies. They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, an extraordinary commitment by any standard.
“I am also pleased to acknowledge the units capacity to work closely with the other emergency services in supporting the community during any difficulty and to position itself as an integral source of community leadership and support.
“May I wish you many years of safe operations and continued success in serving your community and the many users of the of North Mayo coastline including the River Moy, be they fishing, merchant or leisure.”