A third of all Coast Guard stations and buildings around the country have no basic facilities such as running water or bathrooms. Figures released by the Department of Transport show 19 of the 58 Coast Guard stations and sub-stations dotted along the State’s shores are without running water, bathroom facilities or access to the internet. The department – which itself describes the Coast Guard as Ireland’s “fourth blue light” emergency service after the ambulance, fire brigade and Garda – said 10 of the stations are sub-units or secondary buildings to a main Coast Guard station. Another one, at Courtown in Co Wexford, has running water but no bathroom or internet facilities, while 12 main stations have running water and bathroom facilities but no internet. Fianna Fáil transport spokesman Robert Troy said the lack of even basic facilities at Coast Guard stations would surprise and appal most people.

Source: The Irish Times May 14, 2018 01:52 UTC