Construction has officially commenced on the new Coast Guard Station in Greystones, County Wicklow, following a sod-turning ceremony led by Minister Seán Canney, with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard.

The €7.03 million project is being delivered in collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW), with Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran also attending the event.

The new building will serve the Greystones/Wicklow Coast Guard Unit (CGU), which has operated in the area since the 1920s, providing essential land, cliff, and maritime search and rescue services from Bray to Brittas. Staffed entirely by 32 dedicated volunteers, the Unit had already responded to 52 incidents in the year leading up to this announcement. Their vital work regularly involves collaborative operations with other emergency services, including the R116 IRCG helicopter, An Garda Síochána, and the RNLI.

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The investment reflects the Department of Transport's commitment under its recently launched Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) Building Strategy, ensuring volunteer welfare and maximising operational effectiveness. The finished station will provide modern, fit-for-purpose operational and welfare facilities, which include a dedicated Operations Room, a training room, changing facilities, and a drying room. Furthermore, the facility will incorporate a boathouse and enhanced boat launch facilities to support search and rescue operations.

Minister Seán Canney highlighted the importance of the construction project, stating: "Our Coast Guard volunteers are the backbone of maritime search and rescue in Ireland. The Greystones/Wicklow Unit has saved countless lives over its long history, and this new station will ensure they have the facilities they need to continue their vital work for generations to come. Today's sod-turning is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to supporting these dedicated volunteers and the communities they serve."

Minister Moran added that he was delighted to see the works commence, noting: "This new station, once complete, will provide the Unit and volunteers with modern accommodation and significantly improved storage facilities. The commitment and dedication of the volunteers is second to none and I am delighted that this new facility will allow the Unit to continue providing this invaluable service to the many communities along the southeast coast."