Mayo Minister welcomes progress on new coast guard station in Westport

Minister of State and Mayo TD, Alan Dillon, has welcomed significant progress on the construction of the new Coast Guard Station in Westport which is now approaching substantial completion.

The new facility, which broke ground in March 2024, is part of the Department of Transport’s ongoing commitment to supporting the vital work of the Irish Coast Guard, a division of the Department with 44 volunteer units stationed around the Irish coastline.

The €6.8m project is due to be finished in November. The project includes a two-storey modern accommodation block, single-storey boathouse, a vehicle store and associated site works and infrastructure.

The project is being delivered by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Speaking about the development, Minister Dillon said: “This new Coast Guard Station represents a major investment in the safety and resilience of our coastal communities. I am very pleased to see the project progressing on schedule and within budget. The volunteers of the Westport Coast Guard Unit provide an essential emergency service, and they deserve a modern, well-equipped base from which to operate.”

The Department has confirmed that the €6.879 million budget remains on track and that it will continue to work closely with the OPW to ensure the project is delivered within the approved financial parameters by November.

Minister Dillon said he continues to lobby for progress on the Ballyglass and Belmullet Coast Guard Unit. “I understand that this unit is one of the priorities on the Coast Guard programme with a site currently being sought for the station.”

READ MORE: The posters are up and ‘Jim is very familiar with all things Mayo’