Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins joined his party colleagues Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton TD and Cllr. Pat Nugent at the reopening of Ardmore’s Coast Guard Station on Thursday 24th of November.
Speaking after the event, Senator Cummins said “I was delighted to welcome my Fine Gael colleague, Minister Naughton to Waterford again to officially reopen the refurbished Coast Guard Station here in Ardmore. The need for the upgrading of this coastguard station is something I have brought up with the Minister on many occasions over the past twelve months and it is great to see the works finally complete. Ardmore has a very long history of Coastal Service and currently 17 volunteers provide a year-round on call service for the community stretching from Dungarvan to Youghal.”
Senator Cummins added “This project of approximately €200,000 displays this governments continued commitment providing our amazing coastguard volunteers with state-of-the-art facilities. The building has undergone a full refurbishment to ensure it remains fit for purpose – including a window replacement programme, painting, new flooring, external improvements to the yard and rocket house and it will be followed by further investment in equipment such as drone technology which is a real game changer for units like Ardmore. I’d particularly like to thank Cllr Pat Nugent and Cllr. Damien Geoghegan for keeping the pressure on me and to Minister Naughton for listening and providing the necessary funding”.
Senator Cummins concluded by saying “I would like to thank the fantastic Ardmore Coast Guard team for the amazing work that they do in all weather conditions. I know they have a very accomplished team that have been involved in many rescue missions and this refurbished home is due recognition for their tireless work.”
Speaking in Ardmore Minister Naughton noted – “It is great to be back in Waterford; during my last visit just a few short months ago I was delighted to join volunteers at the Bonmahon unit to turn the sod on their new Coast Guard station. I have to say - I always jump at the opportunity to visit your beautiful county”
Minister Naughton added – “Given the critical role the Coastguard plays in our society; it is only right that you have the best resources and facilities available to you and it is an honour to be invited here today to join you for the reopening of your station. I have been working closely with Senator John Cummins who continues to advocate strongly for investment priorities throughout Waterford and the Department are always happy to support worthwhile projects such as this.