Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I give that assurance. The mechanism may be that we will update the Department of Transport, which will update the Coast Guard because that is the line Department. I hope the Coast Guard in Courtown is listening to today's debate. The next step requires completion of a due diligence acquisition for the preferred site. Once a suitable site is acquired the OPW will assign a project team to commence the planning and detailed design stage of the project. The tender process will then follow the OPW-managed delivery of the new Coast Guard facility in Courtown, while continuing to work closely in the Department of Transport to deliver on the overall Coast Guard programme. At this time it is unfortunately not possible to provide a commencement date for the start of construction of the new Coast Guard facility in Courtown. The Senator did not ask but I think it is important for certainty and clarity for the Coast Guard in Courtown. I once again assure Senator Malcolm Byrne and the 24 people in the Coast Guard in Courtown, who provide invaluable public service to the people in the region and in Ireland, that the OPW is committed to continuing to work with the Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard to deliver on a station in Courtown and other priority locations. I will ensure the Senator is kept fully updated of any developments. I will furthermore arrange, if not already done, for the OPW to update the Department of Transport and follow on to update the Coast Guard in Courtown as well.