Figures bolster case to keep Valentia open

THE fact that Valentia coastguard station was involved in helping a large proportion of all incidents at sea last year is being used to bolster the case for the retention of the station.

The Kerry station responded to 713 incidents compared with 874 by Dublin and 374 by Malin Head, Co Donegal, according to the latest statistics.Valentia also dealt with 100 medical evacuations, compared with 71 by Malin Head and 19 by Dublin.

However, the Department of Transport seems determined to press ahead with the setting up of two new marine rescue co-ordination centres, one in Drogheda and the other along the west coast, possibly Galway.