Planning application made for new Westport Coastguard Station

Áine Ryan

THE recent upgrading of the Westport harbour area is set to be further enhanced as a planning application for a new, state-of-the-art regional Coastguard Station was lodged last week with Mayo County Council. Welcoming the news, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring said the development ‘will be a further boost for Westport Quay, which has undergone significant rejuvenation in recent years’.
“This will be a vital life-saving facility. Westport Coast Guard was founded in 2003 in response to a review of potential incidents and search and rescue coverage along the Mayo coastline. The group have many dedicated volunteers who are highly trained and must be commended for their hard work in what can, at times, be difficult conditions. This new base will be an important part of the group’s work,” Minister Ring said.
The new Coast Guard Station, which will facilitate the Irish Coast Guard rescue services for local emergency rescues, will be located adjacent to the old boat house on lands formerly by Mayo County Council.
The proposed building will comprise a single storey boathouse and vehicle store, a single storey link and a three-storey accommodation block. The landscaped development will include a new access road to the west of the site and a new vehicular access point to its north-east corner, as well as provision for 13 car parking spaces. The planning application was made by the Commissioners of Public Works.