Arklow Coast Guard station extension faces fresh delay as projected costs soar

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Delays to the long awaited development of the Arklow Coast Guard Station have come under renewed scrutiny after the government confirmed that the projected cost of the proposed extension has risen significantly, prompting a review of the project and further discussions on how it can proceed.

The update was provided by Junior Minister Sean Canney in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Wicklow Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne.

In his written response Minister Canney said that the Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard had completed a review of preliminary plans and cost estimates submitted by the Office of Public Works for the proposed extension to the Arklow Coast Guard Station.

According to the Minister, that review found that the projected cost of the works was “significantly higher than originally anticipated”.

Rescue 117. © Courtown Arklow Coast Guard.

As a result, discussions are continuing between the Department and the Office of Public Works to adjust the project and identify a way forward.

The government says the objective is to allow the development to proceed at the earliest possible opportunity while ensuring that the most urgent needs of Coast Guard volunteers are addressed.

Minister Canney said that the provision of suitable toilet and welfare facilities for volunteers is being prioritised as part of the revised plans.

He added that the Department expects the Office of Public Works to revert shortly with detailed timelines and updated cost estimates for the project.

Officials from the Department will continue to engage closely with the OPW in an effort to ensure delivery of the development in a timely manner.

However, the response did not include a revised completion date or a specific timeframe for the commencement of works, something that has frustrated local campaigners and public representatives who have repeatedly raised concerns about conditions at the station.

Deputy Malcolm Byrne expressed dissatisfaction with the latest delay and said he would be seeking an urgent meeting with the minister responsible.

“I am not happy at the delays in the development of the Arklow Coast Guard Station and have been pursuing in Leinster House,” Deputy Byrne said.

“On foot of the answer, I am seeking an urgent meeting with minister Canney.”

While the Department has indicated that updated timelines are expected from the Office of Public Works in the near future, the absence of concrete dates means uncertainty remains over the next phase of the development.