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'Coughlan must save Malin Head Coast Guard' 14.05.08

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan’s first job as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should be to ensure that 18 jobs in the Malin Head Coast Guard Station are retained, according to Deputy Joe McHugh.
The Fine Gael T.D., said while the onus was on the Minister to bring new jobs to the county, it was imperative that existing jobs were safeguarded.
He said Ms. Coughlan "must use her new position of power" to influence the decision.
Malin Head Coast Guard “The Minister for Transport and the Marine, Noel Dempsey, has yet to make a decision on the future of the station, but it is clear that Malin’s long term future is in jeopardy. Minister Coughlan is Donegal’s first Tánaiste and I would urge her to use her position to retain the station and the jobs of the 18 employees who work
there."
He went on to say that a Government report on the "alleged failings of the Malin Head Station" had been refuted by the head of eircom and the head of the ESB.
"I believe that Minister Coughlan has an obligation, as the Tánaiste and as a Donegal representative, to ensure that the station is not downgraded on the basis of a flawed report," added Deputy McHugh.
“Unemployment has soared in Donegal and I am adamant that retaining existing jobs in the county is essential. It is also important that new jobs are brought to Donegal - especially to Milford, Inishowen and Letterkenny - but it is equally important that we keep the jobs we already have." Deputy McHugh said the Coast Guard station was "central" to the lives of local people in Malin Head.
" I believe that if the station is downgraded, it will be a kick in he teeth for the locals and it will typify this Government’s attitude to rural Ireland.
“There have been extensive celebrations throughout Donegal on the appointment of Mary Coughlan as Tánaiste. But, with this appointment, comes responsibility and as an opposition T.D. I will be ensuring that the Minister does everything in her power to retain the services at Malin Head Coast Guard Station," he added.
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