No Funding For Sub-Aqua Rescue Says Varadkar

3rd June 2014

#Diving - Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed that diving teams who regularly assist in emergency operations will not qualify for grants available to volunteer rescue groups.

As TheJournal.ie reports, volunteer teams such as those under the Mountain Rescue Ireland and Community Rescue Boats Ireland umbrellas are in receipt of payments or grants of up to €5,000.

But no such payments are available to volunteer diving groups that provide assistance for Naval Service and Garda dive teams, which are co-ordinated by the Irish Coast Guard.

In response to a Dáil question from independent deputy Denis Naughten, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said that, while "regrettable", it is "not envisaged" to extend rescue volunteer funding to sub-aqua groups. TheJournal.ie has more on the story HERE.

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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