Calls to upgrade the Coast Guard

Search and rescue volunteers in the Coast Guard are calling on the government to upgrade the service to a ‘standalone primary response agency’.

They warn the service is constantly under threat, primarily due to political manoeuvring and not getting the recognition deserved at departmental levels.

Volunteers claim the Coast Guard is the only one of the State’s ‘blue light’ services — An Garda, ambulance and fire service — not covered by Statutory Instrument legislation which ensures standalone status.