Doolin Coast Guard ‘reconstituted on interim basis’, says minister

THE Doolin Unit of the Irish Coastguard has been reconstituted on an interim basis and already eight members have been recruited, writes Gordon Deegan.

That is according to Minister for State at the Dept of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton (FG) who said that there will be perhaps 12 members to start with for the unit to recommence its work.

Minister Naughton said, “Currently, additional cover is being provided from Kilkee and Killaloe. Helicopter and other emergency services are also being provided.”

In the Dail on Thursday, Minister Naughton told Deputy Darren O’Rourke (SF) the reconstitution of the unit on an interim basis involves a core group of volunteers who, the Coast Guard believes, can work and operate together.

The Coast Guard has moved to reconstitute the unit after a report by mediator Kieran Mulvey in December concluded that no form of mediation would resolve matters of dispute at the unit.

The Clare unit – one of the busiest in the country and which covers the coastline along the Cliffs of Moher – was stood down from search and rescue services in November after six volunteers resigned from their roles over interpersonal issues.

Following meetings with volunteers in Doolin, Mr Mulvey said in his report: “Regretfully I have formed the conclusion that no form of mediation will lead to a resolution of the matters of disputation in the unit.

Mr Mulvey said the volunteers were of the “strong opinion” that bureaucracy around procedures, form-filling and increasing health and safety regulation was leading to an “averse to risk culture” in the service rather than engaging with volunteers on practical realities.

In her reply to Deputy O’Rourke on the issue, Minister Naughton confirmed that the selection of volunteers to provide service to the reconstituted unit has been completed and those selected have been informed.

Deputy O’Rourke said: “We have seen the Mulvey report, which identified a breakdown of mutual trust, respect and confidence. That was a real concern and still is, in many respects, because the Doolin unit has not yet been fully reconstituted.

Deputy O’Rourke stated that attention has been focused on cultural and operational difficulties within the Coast Guard and people have been contacted by volunteers and former volunteers about the issue. He said: “A dire picture has been painted.”