Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
172. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if a formal site transfer from Wicklow County Council to his Department for the Coast Guard station at a location (details supplied) has been finalised; and if not, when it will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34189/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Irish Coast Guard building programme – essentially aimed at ensuring facilities for Coast Guard Units along the coast are fit for purpose. The programme is managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to build and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance as necessary from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
The Greystones project is a priority build on the Building Programme for the IRCG. It has been the subject of a number of significant revisions in terms of plans primarily owing to excessive cost and affordability. The location of the site identified for the new Coast Guard station has also presented challenges particularly in terms of the requirement to ensure adequate storm resilience.
The Office of Public Works are currently engaging with Wicklow County Council with regard to the final requirements of the site acquisition and plan development. Once these final matters are resolved the OPW will progress to tender and construction at the site. The construction of the new facility is currently estimated to take approximately 14 months from commencement to completion.
I have recently met with Minister O’Donovan to discuss the IRCG building programme and will continue to engage with Minister O’Donovan, OPW and officials within my Department on this matter.
