GREYSTONES COAST GUARD STATION PLANS GOING OUT TO TENDER

A new coast guard station for Greystones is going out to tender, following agreement on plans for the site.

Dermot Macauley of Greystones Coast Guard said that last Tuesday evening, national Coast Guard representatives came to Greystones and showed local members plans. The following day, Minister Simon Harris and the Minister for the OPW Boxer Moran met at Leinster House.

‘Everyone is on the same page now,’ said Dermot. ‘What was proposed previously with the money available wasn’t fit for purpose. We would have preferred not to build anything at all.’

The national coast guard body was able to source further funding for an improved plan.

‘It’s a compromise, but a good compromise,’ said Dermot. ‘It does cover what we need. It’s not the Taj Mahal but it’s fit for purpose. Hopefully when the tender process is finished they will start building.’

He said that the existing station doesn’t have toilets, showers or changing facilities. The new plans will include boat access to the water right at the slip.

Minister Harris said he was really pleased that the project is moving to tendering phase.

‘This has been a very long road for all of us involved and the team, who provide an invaluable service to our entire community has been caught up in this lengthy process. The OPW and Coast Guard are now in agreement about the proposed base so the project can go out to tender,’ he said.