Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date in providing a permanent Irish Coast Guard facility in north Connemara at the site of the airstrip at Cluain Leacht an Abba, An Cloigeann; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30310/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Cleggan Unit of the Coast Guard is on the priority list for the OPW Building Programme. My Department provides the funding for these projects. However OPW are the project managers. I understand they are currently considering various options for a suitable site for the Cleggan Unit, including evaluating the airstrip site and any other possible sites available in the area that meet the functional requirements of the unit. OPW have been in contact with the relevant Department officials at DEHLG with a view to progressing the matter and advancing necessary planning permissions. Under the Public Spending Code, OPW have to evaluate all potential sites in the Cleggan area.

In the meantime, Cleggan Coat Guard Unit vehicles and equipment remain at the Cleggan air strip which is primarily a storage facility and the Unit are engaging with the local community with the intention of accessing possible buildings for training purposes.