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Kerry Rescue Centre Must Not Be Closed![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() All attempts must be made to remove the threat of closure from the Valentia coast guard station in South Kerry, the local branch of Republican Sinn Féin said today. RSF South Kerry spokesman, Pádraig Garvey from Caherciveen said that the radio station on Valentia has been a major part of the local community since it was established in 1912. "There is now a proposal and one of the last two remaining stations at either Valentia or Malin Head will be closed in order to centralise marine rescue operations," said Mr. Garvey. "The Valentia operation is much more than just a coast guard radio station - its role also takes in marine and inland water rescue, medical lifts from shipping and even pollution control. "The fact is Valentia has eleven lifeboats under its control, the rescue helicopter at Shannon and 23 coast guard units - and it covers a stretch of coast from Ballycotton in Cork right up to the port of Galway. "The work being carried out on the island is vital for the continued safe passage of shipping and people - if the powers that be push ahead with the closure of the station, it will be a crushing blow to Valentia and the expertise of the local staff. "We are now saying that any threat over the future of the station should be fully debated in public before any decision is made behind closed doors by those in Dublin." |