Minister of State Seán Canney has launched a new national website for the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) providing a dedicated resource on water and coastal safety, recruitment and coast guard news.
The website reflects just one aspect of continuous improvement and investment within the Irish Coast Guard in recent years.
As part of a wider Stewardship – Leading Together Transformation Programme, an initiative to future proof Irish Coast Guard operations, the service has seen increased resourcing, new and improved facilities, enhanced training, and ongoing efforts to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality control and governance.
Minister Canney today brought a Memo to Cabinet with an update on the transformation programme.
Key milestones under the programme include:
Completion of an organisational review and an independent review of role of Coast Guard volunteer.
Implementation of organisational change to strengthen governance, engineering capability, volunteer support and emergency coordination functions
Enhanced audit, procurement and project oversight arrangements
Training, leadership and recognition programmes in development
Strong engagement with the Coast Guard representative body (CUAG)
Seamless transition to new Coast Guard aviation contract, with services operating from four helicopter bases located at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin (Weston) and a new Fixed Wing service also located at Shannon
Procurement programme to replace the existing search and rescue vessel fleet with new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and Inshore Rescue Boats with first vessel anticipated for delivery next year followed by phased delivery to 2031
New operational boat suits for Coast Guard boat crews
Expansion of drone capability to increase and strengthen operational coverage across a wider range of conditions
Digital enhancements and supports in development including:
Launch of first dedicated Irish Coast Guard website www.coastguard.gov.ie
Replacement of existing IT hardware across all 44 units to better support operational and management functions
Future phases will include the introduction of dedicated Coast Guard accounts and a single digital identity for all personnel, enabling the rollout of a new mobile-based paging and alerting system, a Volunteer Management System and a suite of productivity tools to enhance communication, training and coordination
Development of digital services for search and rescue coordination, including new drift modelling software, replacement alerting systems and a replacement project for national communications systems
Improved career pathways and development opportunities for volunteers, including initiatives that support female participation in Search and Rescue operations.
Publication of key operational guidance and strategies, including a new IRCG Communications Strategy and a new IRCG Buildings Strategy – both launched in 2025
Strong national and international engagement, including the hosting of major SAR and maritime safety events over each year of the programme
Commencement of reviews on the National Search and Rescue Plan (NSP) and the National Maritime Oil/HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NCP)
So far this year, the life-saving service has responded to 2500 incidents with 4,218 people receiving lifesaving assistance. Summer 2026 was an extremely busy period, with an 11% increase in incidents compared to the same period in 2025.
Minister Canney said: “The Irish Coast Guard’s new standalone website, coastguard.gov.ie, reflects the vital role which this service provides in communities nationwide. As a principal emergency service of the State, I am delighted to see the Irish Coast Guard evolving and progressing, in line with the ambitions as envisaged in our Programme for Government.
Volunteers and staff support a 24/7 service, providing reassurance and peace of mind to all those who live, travel and work along our coastline. It is fantastic to see so many significant milestones reached which can already be seen in the tangible updates to equipment, technology and facilities, and the overarching support being provided through enhanced recruitment, training, safety and governance.”
To find out more about the Irish Coast Guard, visit www.coastguard.gov.ie.
