The new Coast Guard and Maritime Safety Agency headquarters is to be located in Drogheda, Co Louth, the Minister for the Marine has announced.
Mr Dermot Ahern said the new agency will play a key role in the operational functions of the Coast Guard and the work of the State shipping surveyors. At least 30 staff will be based at the centre, including senior management, corporate support staff, administration staff and "pollution response" teams.
He said his officials had considered a number of locations along the east coast but opted for Drogheda because of its proximity to Dublin and other ports.
Currently, the Coast Guard and the Maritime Safety Directorate operate under the auspices of the minister's department. The new agency, however, will be independent of the department.
"Obviously there will be a lead in time with regard to establishing the Coast Guard and the Maritime Safety Directorate as an independent agency separate from the Department. I have instructed my officials to get this work underway and I will expedite the establishment of the new agency in Drogheda," Mr Ahern said.
"This is welcome news for Drogheda on foot of the Government decision to re-locate the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to Drogheda also. I know that staff will be well disposed towards Drogheda, which offers so much in terms of education facilities, housing and infrastructure as well as great road and rail links to Dublin."