Rescue operation impeded by abandoned cars

AN emergency operation was “frustrated” on Tuesday when Coast Guard personnel answering a call found it difficult to gain access to Doolin Pier as a result of cars being “abandoned” en route.
The Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard clipped one car parked on the road in an effort to gain access to the pier to launch its new 9m Delta Super X Rib.
Doolin Coast Guard was called out to assist the Inis Oírr Coast Guard team with an incident on the island where a Japanese tourist fell 6m from O’Brien’s Castle wall.
“There was a lot of traffic in Doolin on Tuesday and cars were practically abandoned on the road with people in a rush to go on the ferries. One of the cars was tipped by the coast guard trailer and we have had to fill out an incident report in relation to it,” Mattie Shannon, officer in charge, Doolin Unit, Irish Coast Guard told The Clare Champion.
At 3.1m, the new boat, which arrived in Doolin just two weeks ago, is wider than its predecessor and requires greater clearance.
“Our new boat is wider so it is more difficult to draw up and down the road. I would appeal to people to park their cars responsibly. There are other road users. Just because they are on their holidays and in a rush to get to the Aran Islands doesn’t mean they can just disregard other people who need to use the road,” Mr Shannon said.
“I see people parking their cars in the yellow box over at the pier, which is designated for no parking but people just abandon their cars in a rush to go to the Aran Islands. We would appeal to the public who use the pier to adhere to the parking regulations,” he continued.
“It makes our job more difficult and it adds to the frustration too when you see people doing this. When time is of the essence, this sort of thing is an aggravation and frustrates the whole situation. We have enough to deal with already. The team is under a lot of pressure to do the right thing and to focus on what they are doing and when cars are parked in the way it makes things more difficult. We don’t want the members of the unit having to deal with people who have parked badly and who may know better but often forget, on their way to an emergency. Everyone is thinking fast and someone parking in the wrong place could change your focus. I would ask people to assist by doing their own civic duties if nothing else,” Mr Shannon urged.
There has yet to be a case where a parked car has fully blocked the coastguard’s path to the pier according to Mr Shannon.
“In most cases, you can get through but the frustration and aggravation can build up. Of course, if the new station was in place, all our equipment would be in the one spot so we would know where to focus and be able to run or cycle down and get out on the water more efficiently with less frustration,” he concluded.
After the difficulty accessing the pier, the Doolin Coast Guard unit launched and travelled to Inis Oírr along with the Shannon Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter and Rescue 115. The Japanese man suffered serious injuries to his arm as well as concussion and head injuries. The tourist was treated and airlifted to UCH Galway where he is recovering.