RNLI and IWAI Dunrovin key handover ceremony takes place
FOLLOWING completion of the dual-purpose building to house both the RNLI lifeboat station and the IWAI headquarters, an official key handover ceremony has recently taken place at the Dunrovin site in Coosan.
The RNLI built the permanent Lough Ree lifeboat station and the Dunrovin IWAI headquarters on an IWAI site at Coosan Point, Athlone. A portion of the site has been leased to the RNLI for the sole purpose of locating the new permanent lifeboat station on the shores of Lough Ree.
Present at the key handover ceremony were the IWAI president Alan Kelly and vice-president Kay Baxter to accept the keys on behalf of the association and its members. Also present were the members of the IWAI Dunrovin Development Committee who have worked on this project for the past seven years.
Representing the RNLI was Chris Scully, RNLI regional estates manager and project lead and RNLI lifesaving lead, Owen Medland.
Dunrovin Development Committee chairman, Martin Donnelly, in his opening remarks at the ceremony, said: “Any project of this magnitude is a challenging undertaking but delivering a lifeboat station and a clubhouse for two charities during a pandemic is a testament to the resilience, determination, and commitment the IWAI and RNLI have to waterways users.”
Mr Donnelly added: “For the past seven years the IWAI Dunrovin Development Committee has worked voluntarily, despite the challenges, to ensure this joint build was delivered. Without the enormous efforts of the committee and our membership’s support, this project would never have got over the line.
“We have worked hand in hand with the RNLI team initially from RNLI HQ Poole Dorset and more recently from the Swords RNLI HQ. This work ensures that this part of the River Shannon and Lough Ree has a permanent lifeboat station fit for purpose, manned by local volunteers and providing essential rescue services.”
Mr Donnelly went on to highlight the significance of the project for the wider area, stating: “What has been delivered here for both organisations is a vote of confidence in our waterbased activities and in the future. With the increasing focus on outdoor activity and the growing love of our environment and waterways, there will be a rise in participation in water sports and an increase in visitor numbers looking to participate in water-based activities.
“With the new lifeboat station at Coosan, they can feel safe knowing the RNLI is at hand should the need arise.”