Achill Coast Guard in 'shed' premises

THE DEPARTMENT of Transport says it is hopeful that a legal dispute over Irish Coast Guard use of a new €2 million base on Achill island, Co Mayo, will be resolved “quickly”.

The Achill Coast Guard unit, which received a national courage award last year, is working out of unsuitable temporary accommodation, due to what the department describes as “legal and contractual matters”.

The temporary unit is described as a “shed” with no toilets or showers and with a Dimplex heater to keep the volunteers warm.

The coast guard unit was to have moved into a premises shared with the Achill fire brigade two years ago, but was precluded by a “technical” issue relating to the lease.

The building was completed for €2 million in 2007. It was a joint project involving Mayo County Council and the Departments of Environment and Transport.

The Department of Transport said late last week that a caretaker’s agreement, which would allow use of the building pending the resolution of the legal difficulties, had been forwarded by the Chief State Solicitor’s office to Mayo County Council.

“Discussions have subsequently taken place with Mayo County Council on this issue,” the department said.

It had “been assured that the outstanding issues will be dealt with in the appropriate manner as quickly as possible, and we will not be commenting any further on it”.

Last year, Achill Coast Guard was conferred with an Irish Security Industry Association national courage award for the rescue of an angler, Patrick Williamson (53) from Birmingham, off rocks.

“Without the quick response of the Achill Coast Guard team combined with the work of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter crew, I would not have survived,” Mr Williamson said in his citation.

He had spent 90 minutes in the water before being rescued.