Concern over blue light ban on Coast Guard vehicles

A DIRECTIVE issued to Coast Guard members, no longer permitting them to use emergency lights and sirens on vehicles while driving, is causing concern.

It also demonstrates the need for the Coast Guard to be put on a statutory basis, according to Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary.

“The directive issued to Coast Guard members has caused a lot of concern. Members are fearful of the potential delays this will cause when they are travelling to incidents.

“I think it’s worth remembering that the Irish Coast Guard handles approximately 2,500 marine emergencies a year, assists 4,500 people and saves over 200 lives,” said Deputy Calleary.

He added: “As we are all aware, the Irish Coast Guard is one of Ireland's most important and respected organisations. In my own constituency of Mayo we all know the vital service the Coast Guard carry out on a daily basis.

“The Irish Coast Guard is one of Ireland's four principal emergency services yet it is the only blue light service not covered by Statutory Instrument legislation which ensures standalone status.

“In Mayo, our coastline attracts tourism from around the world. We have 12 blue flag beaches and nine green coast awards, and a significant portion of the Wild Atlantic Way. This puts its own demand on the Coast Guard in our region.

“Putting the coastguard on a legislative footing would ensure they receive more representation, more recognition, and ultimately the same protections afforded to the other blue light services.”

Fianna Fáil have brought forward a Bill, the Irish Coast Guard Authority Bill 2018, before the Dáil to create a statutory Irish Coast Guard Authority.

Said Deputy calleary: “To denigrate this service in any way flies in the face of the valuable role the Coast Guard provides. A two-tier emergency response service is in nobody’s interest.

“In the first instance, a plan needs to be put in place immediately for the roll out of emergency driver training for Coast Guard volunteers, to restore their full use of emergency lights and sirens. The minister also needs to look at the Coast Guard in a more medium to long term and put them on a legislative footing.