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Malin Head Coast Guard
rescued
03.12.08
MALIN Head Coast Guard
has been saved from the threat of closure,
InishowenNews.com can reveal.
The announcement was made last night by Transport
Minister Noel Dempsey that both Malin Head and
Valentia Coast Guard stations would remain open.
The news was welcomed in Malin Head and by local
politicians including Fine Gael Deputy Joe McHugh
and Senator Cecilia Keaveney.
“Lives would have been put in danger if these
stations had been shut down. From a safety point of
view, it made no sense to close either Malin or
Valentia," said Deputy McHugh. |
"It is therefore
welcome that the Minister has eventually listened to
the fears expressed by people living along the coast
and people within the fishing industry," he said.
Senator Keaveney said: “This is a signal from the
Government that they listened to the well made case
that community |
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representatives made
with me at our meetings with Mr Fearon and Minister
Dempsey. It is also a positive endorsement of the
area to have now an investment going into this
service and the infrastructure that is needed."
Cllr Marian McDonald described it as a "very
significant day" for the community in Inishowen.
Cllr Rena Donaghey said the Coast Guard was a "core
service that would yield in a short time more local
jobs".
"It may well act as a security for business people
to consider investing in the area as positive
messages about infrastructural capacity are seen to
be given out," she said. Meanwhile, Deputy McHugh
commended the massive campaign waged by both
communities with the help of local and national
media. "Common sense has prevailed today and it is
to the benefit of all citizens that these coastguard
stations will continue to function," they said. |
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