Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres, which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute. The Coast Guard plays a vital role in rescuing people from danger at sea or on land, and in support of this my Department has facilitated the locating of Coast Guard Units and their Stationhouses at Howth, Castletownbere, Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centres in view of the strategic location of these centres around the coast.
My Department endeavours to accommodate the full needs of the Coast Guard at these Centres insofar as possible having regard to the need to ensure that day to day harbour operations are maintained. The area referred to by the Deputy is currently in use by my Department; my officials will, as with all operational issues, keep the matter under review and will liaise directly with the Coast Guard should the position change.