Minister Canney Officially Opens New Westport Coast Guard Station
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 7 March 2026
- Last updated on: 7 March 2026
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney TD, along with Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran, today officially opened the newly constructed, purpose-built Westport Coast Guard Station, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Ireland’s national search and rescue infrastructure.
The new two-storey, 657 m² station, standing 10.94 metres high, provides state-of-the-art facilities including:
- Offices and a training room
- A kitchenette and drying room
- Equipment stores
- Vehicle and boat storage
- Changing rooms
- Full universal access, including a wheelchair accessible toilet and elevator
“I am delighted to officially open the new Westport Coast Guard Station—an important investment supporting the resilience of this region. This facility will significantly strengthen the operational capability of the Westport Unit, whose volunteers work tirelessly, often in difficult conditions, to protect lives along our coast and inland waterways.
Today’s opening reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard has the modern infrastructure it needs to carry out its critical work. I want to pay tribute to the members of the Westport Unit, as well as other local emergency organisations such as Mayo Mountain Rescue, Mayo RNLI and Civil Defence and the Search and Rescue Dogs Association for their dedication and service.”
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney
The project cost €6.8 million and was delivered as part of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) Building Programme, the project was managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport. The site, secured through Mayo County Council, lies within the Clew Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with the project designed in full compliance with planning permission, building regulations, OPW design standards, and Departmental sustainability and accessibility requirements.
“I am delighted to be here today to witness the official opening of the new Westport Coast Guard Station. This purpose-built facility will provide the Unit and volunteers’ with modern, purpose-built office and training space along with adequate storage facilities.
The dedication of the volunteers who regularly face challenging conditions to protect lives along our coast and inland waterways is truly exceptional. I am delighted that this new facility will support them in delivering this vital service along the West Coast. This project is an example of effective collaboration between Departments and highlights Government’s commitment in equipping the Irish Coast Guard with the necessary infrastructure it needs to carry out this critical work”.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran
The Westport Coast Guard Unit, established more than 20 years ago, consists of 28 highly trained volunteer members who provide round-the-clock water and land-based search and rescue services across a large area from Killary Harbour to Mulranny. This new development significantly enhances volunteer welfare, contributing to operational readiness, and local emergency response capability, supporting the Coast Guard’s mission to provide effective maritime and coastal search and rescue services in the region.