Irish Coast Guard Building Strategy

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), a division within the Department of Transport, is one of Ireland’s four blue light principal emergency services and is responsible for the State’s responsibilities in providing maritime search and rescue (SAR), maritime casualty and maritime pollution response. The SAR function is delivered through volunteer-led Coast Guard Units, a network of Rescue Coordination Centres and the IRCG Aviation contract. There are 44 Units located around the coast of Ireland, comprising over 900 volunteers from local communities. Coast Guard units provide coastal search capability with training across different units in cliff rescue, boat rescue and drone search. Coast Guard units enhance community resilience by providing additional support during emergencies, and as required, being available to respond 24/7 throughout the year. IRCG buildings are managed and delivered through the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to construction and on-going maintenance. It is the objective of the Department to work in collaboration with the OPW to ensure that Coast Guard units across Ireland are equipped with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.