Council ‘delaying’ coastguard station plan

From the Irish Examiner

By Pat Flynn

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010

A LOCAL authority has been accused of continuing to drag its feet over a new headquarters for one of the country’s busiest coastguard teams.

The Doolin coastguard unit’s current building is prone to flooding and cannot house a rescue boat.

Clare TD Joe Carey has accused the county council of “not being more accommodating” to the rescue organisation.

The unit covers a wide area of north and west Clare and their expertise is often sought by other rescue organisations in the region. The team is also responsible for Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands.

The existing 150-year-old base has no toilets, changing rooms or showers for the 25 local volunteers.

Last May, the Office of Public Works lodged plans with the council for a state of the art €1.9 million coastguard station.

The campaign for a new base has continued for 12 years. A decision on the application was expected at the end of June but the council has put the plan on hold, requesting further information. One of the issues blocking progress was whether a foreshore license was required to accommodate rainwater running off the station’s roof.

Mr Carey said the delay was disgraceful.

“It’s disappointing that the planning department of Clare County Council would not be more accommodating towards the development of the Doolin Coastguard station. It’s essential that this project receives the green light from the planning authority without delay.

“The conditions which the Doolin Coastguard currently work under are nothing short of scandalous with no proper place to store equipment, no proper changing facilities, no toilets or showers and no proper place to lay-out recovered bodies.

“Successive governments have dragged their heels on this issue with regards to funding. Local government must not be allowed to do the same in terms of planning permission. The county council exists to service the needs of the local population and I cannot think of a greater need than ensuring a coastal county has an adequate coastguard service. In my view, a project of this type should be fast-tracked. What’s going on is disgraceful.”

A site close to Doolin pier has been earmarked for the development.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, August 12, 2010

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The 50th Anniversary of the sinking of the Plassey is taking place on Inis-Oir this weekend. Will be opened by the last living survivor of the shipwreck..

From Yesterdays Irish Times

Aran Islands Information.

Tedfest 4

This Tedfest is gearing up to be the best yet.

A celebtation of all things Father Ted. Inishmore and Inisheer 2010

Sitting 1 takes place on Inishmore(Inis-Mor) fr0m Feb 25th to 28th

Sitting 2 takes place on Inisheer(Inis-Oir) from March 4th to the 7th

Tickets and full details from the Official Website

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We have received many reports from Doolin in the last few days about ferry sailings being cancelled.

There is always a risk in Doolin with ferries. Due to the Doolin harbour exposure to the Atlantic swells it is always advisable when travelling to ensure that you travel on one of the steel ferries.

Some companies in Doolin operate fibreglass boats, while these boats are fully approved and no doubt safe, if weather conditions change you can find yourself stranded on the Aran Islands.

While there are no hard and fast rules, the Dept of Transport seem to suggest that Class 4 ferries (Like the fiberglass ones in Doolin) should not operate if wind speed is over 30 KPH. Now while this is very subjective, (as 30 kmph of wind is not always an indication of sea state)it should be incumbent on you the traveller to be sure that you will be able to get home.

30 KPH is not that windy for a seasoned traveller, but on a smaller fiberglass boat it could be really scary.
Check the forecast and satisfy yourself that the ferry you travel on is a safe one.
Bring a magnet. If it sticks to the hull, it’s a steel ferry.

Most ferries from Rossaveal are larger Steel ships and are not subject to cancellation due to weather conditions.

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