Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
368. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the current level of funding allocated to the Irish Coast Guard service, including the unit based in Howth; whether any increase in funding is planned in light of operational demands, staffing requirements and equipment needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30131/26]
View answer369. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the annual Exchequer funding allocated to the Irish Coast Guard service over the past five years, broken down by year, in tabular form, including any specific allocations for the unit based in Howth where available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30132/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 368 and 369 together.
The Irish Coast Guard is a pillar within the Department of Transport under the leadership of a dedicated Assistant Secretary General and Director of the Irish Coast Guard.
My Department is fully committed to ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard remains capable and equipped to deliver its services and to meet current and future challenges. All 44 Coast Guard Units are currently online, and there are no operational demands being raised that would require additional funding outside of normal service delivery and the allocated budget.
All Coast Guard functions are fully funded through the Departmental Vote and reviewed as part of the annual budgetary process. The funding allocated to the Irish Coast Guard for the past five years is broken down in tabular format below in thousands of Euro:
|
Allocations |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Aviation |
70,755 |
62,515 |
62,515 |
68,315 |
138,770 |
117,330 |
|
Coast Guard |
6,061 |
8,240 |
8,240 |
8,240 |
8,240 |
9,450 |
|
Capital |
8,600 |
8,000 |
8,000 |
18,000 |
18,000 |
7,000 |
|
Total |
85,416 |
78,755 |
78,755 |
94,555 |
165,010 |
133,780 |
Note: All figures are shown in thousands of Euro (€’000)
Howth Coast Guard Unit is a three-function unit, namely Search, Cliff & Boat. Individual Coast Guard Units are not allocated a separate operational annual budget. Howth Coast Guard Unit, remains fully supported in terms of station and vehicle maintenance and upkeep, training and equipment for the requirements to adequately support the delivery of service for the three functions.
Howth Coast Guard Unit operates from a fully equipped station building in the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre that was built by the Office of Public Works in 2001.
There is currently no requirement for a new station for the Howth Unit.
€132,000 has been spent on capital expenditure at the Howth Coast Guard Unit in the past five years encompassing resurfacing, drainage and fencing works.
