Campaigners hail decision to save Malin and Valentia

A VICTORY for commonsense. That was how campaigners yesterday described the government decision to retain coastguard radio stations in Valentia, Co Kerry, and Malin, Co Donegal.

Groups in both areas had strongly opposed proposals to close the stations — which co-ordinate marine rescues and provide services to seagoing craft — and to replace them with a new centre on the west coast, possibly in Shannon or Ennis.

However, Minister of State for Transport Noel Ahern has confirmed existing marine rescue co-ordination services, with the main centre in Dublin and two sub-centres at Valentia and Malin, are to continue in operation.