New €6.8m coast guard station officially opened in Mayo

A new purpose-built Coast Guard station has officially opened in Westport, marking a significant investment in search and rescue services along the Mayo coastline.

The €6.8 million facility for the Westport Coast Guard Unit was formally opened by Sean Canney alongside Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran during a ceremony in the town.

The new station will support the work of the unit’s 28 volunteer members, who provide vital search and rescue services along a large stretch of coastline from Killary Harbour to Mulranny.

The modern facility includes dedicated training space, equipment and boat storage, operational areas and improved welfare facilities for volunteers. It is expected to significantly enhance the unit’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies at sea and along the coast.

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Deputy Canney said the new station represents an important investment in both safety and volunteer support.

“This €6.8 million investment provides a modern, purpose-built facility for the Westport Coast Guard Unit and will support the incredible work carried out by their 28 volunteer members,” he said.

“The dedication of Coast Guard volunteers is extraordinary. They give their time, often in difficult conditions, to protect lives along our coast and inland waterways.”

He also acknowledged the wider network of emergency response organisations that regularly work together during incidents across the region.

These include Mayo Mountain Rescue, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Civil Defence Ireland and the Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland.

Deputy Canney thanked the volunteers of the Westport Coast Guard team for the service they provide to communities across the west and paid tribute to their ongoing commitment to protecting lives along Ireland’s coastline.

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