Mr. Alan Kelly Minister of State, Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport with responsibility for Public & Commuter Transport officially launched Killaloe Coast Guards New 8mtr Redbay Stormforce Rescue Boat on Saturday the 15th of October 2011 at 15:30 at the Pier Head Killaloe.
The New Boat is fitted with twin Suzuki DF115's, Garmin 4010 chart plotter, 2 x Garmin 200i VHF's, Garmin radar on a folding A-frame arch, Self-righting bag, Go light spotlight with remote joystick, and 4 x Scot suspension jockey seats.
The new rescue boat will greatly enhance the safety of the volunteers and those needing our assistance.
The large investment by the Irish Coast Guard in replacing the existing Rescue Boat shows a commitment to the local communities of Both Killaloe and Ballina.
The Blessing and the Naming of the Rescue boat will be celebrated by Rev Fr James Grace PP Killaloe and Rev Fr. Ted O’ Rahilly PP Ballina.
The Boat will be named “ DALTON” in memory of Thomas Dalton who lost his life on Lough Derg on the 10/07/2006 , and the generosity of his friends and family at the time assisted in the initial setup of Killaloe Coast Guard Unit.
Killaloe Coast Guard is Irelands only inland Coast Guard Unit, with 20 volunteer members on call 24/7/365. They are fully trained and certified for water, land Search and rescue and assist the local County Councils in immediate pollution response on the river Shannon.
The Unit is housed in the ESB site in Killaloe and has two quick response Vehicles, a communication trailer, a New D Class type boat trailered for quick response to inland rivers and lakes, full first aid kits, stretchers, Salvage pumps, Pollution booms, generators outdoor lighting etc.
To date this year Killaloe Coast Unit has responded to 27 call outs, provided safety cover for several local events, and visited 5 national and 1 secondary school giving safety awareness talks and equipment interaction.
The Area Officer of the team is Michael Quigley. Its Deputy Area Officer is Denis Dillon.
