Long welcomes decision to retain Bangor Coastguard Station

East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long has welcomed the announcement by the Transport Minister that the Northern Ireland Coastguard Station in Bangor is to be retained on a 24-hour basis.

Naomi Long MP said: “I am very pleased that the government is retaining the Bangor station on a 24 hour basis. Clearly, the arguments for retention made in submissions from the Coastguard themselves, Alliance representatives and many others have carried real weight.

“Having campaigned strongly to have the Coastguard Station maintained here, both in debates in parliament, by submitting a detailed response to the consultation and also backing the alternative proposals put forward by the Coastguards which would deliver the required resilience and modernisation without losing the 24-hour presence in Northern Ireland.”

North Down Alliance Alderman Tony Hill said: “It is great news that the Bangor Coastguard Station is being retained. This service not only covers sea rescue but also inland waterway rescue as well other rescue operations in remote areas such as the Mournes. I want to commend the excellent work of the station in Bangor and this is very good news for the area.

“The Northern Ireland Coastguard Station also has a unique role in coordination and collaboration with the Irish Coastguard. In addition, the whole island of Ireland operates on Irish grid coordinates, different from the UK system, further reinforcing the importance of local knowledge.

“This is positive news for Northern Ireland and shows that when politicians here work together, we can deliver for everyone.”

ENDS

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