John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has been appointed main contractor for the new €7.03 million Greystones/Wicklow Coast Guard station, being delivered with the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Minister Seán Canney, who has special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, was joined by Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran, responsible for the OPW, to officially turn the sod in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

The Greystones/Wicklow Coast Guard Unit (CGU), founded in the 1930s, provides land, cliff and maritime search and rescue from Bray to Brittas. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the 32-strong Unit has responded to 51 incidents so far this year, working alongside Dun Laoghaire CGU, the Dublin-based R116 IRCG helicopter, An Garda Síochána, Greystones Fire Service and the RNLI.

The purpose-built station will include an Operations Room, training room, kitchenette, drying room, stores, boathouse, changing facilities and boat launch facilities. The investment aligns with the recently launched IRCG Building Strategy, supporting volunteer welfare and operational effectiveness.

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Leanne Broderick, Managing Director, Sisk said: "We look forward to working with the Office of Public Works and our local supply chain partners to deliver this much needed project. It will ultimately create a lasting legacy in the Greystones and wider Wicklow community, while providing vital support to the coast guard unit and its volunteers."

Minister Seán Canney said: "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 said: "I am delighted to be here today to see works commence on a new Coast Guard Station at Greystones for the Irish Coast Guard Services. 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."