Beach safety initiative used in emergency just weeks after launch
A groundbreaking beach safety initiative that was only officially launched a few weeks ago has already been used in an emergency.
Sinn Féin councillor Brian Carr tabled a motion in November 2025, that called for every beach and pier to have an individual identification number in an effort to better direct emergency services responding to an incident.
The Coastal Location Code was officially launched on August 27th.
However, less than two weeks after its launch, it has already been used in an emergency.
Carr made the disclosure during a recent meeting of the Glenties Municipal District in Dungloe.
"I have been told that the Coastal Location Code has already been used in an emergency. It's fantastic to hear that people have already availed of the new service less than a fortnight after its launch.
"I knew this initiative would saves lives, and it will continue to save lives. On what was a bad day for us as a family, has created a good outcomes, and I'm just delighted this has been launched," said Carr.
Carr said that his aim now is to ensure that the scheme is rolled out across the county.
Currently the Coastal Location Code is operational across six beaches, Tramore, Stroove, Downings, Killahoey, Narin and Bundoran.
"The next step for me is to look for more funding and resources to roll this out across Donegal. My aim is to make it countywide, and then countrywide.
"We need to get these signs up all over the county. We want to grow it, and expand it," said Carr.
Carr added that since the launch he has been contacted by numerous fishing communities, beach groups and others commenting that the initiative is a simple one, but one that was badly needed.
Representatives from Donegal County Council, the Irish Coast Guard, An Garda Síochána, National Ambulance Service, Donegal Fire Service and Water Safety Ireland pictured at Narin Blue Flag Beach for the launch of the Coastal Location Code (CLC) Pilot Project on Thursday, 27 August 2026
He conceded the launch was an emotional day for his family, and thanked everyone for their support.
"The launch was a fantastic day, and look it was an emotional day for me and my family. It was incredible to see all the support, and it was great that two of the lads involved in the rescue were also in attendance.
"I want to thanks the council officials and councillors that attended the launch, and all the emergency service. Water Safety Ireland were also in attendance, and are hugely supportive of the Coastal Location Code, which as I've already said is going to saves lives," said Carr.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.