Irish Coast Guard

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Irish Coast Guard

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In an emergency, on the coast, cliffs, or at sea, dial 112 and ask for Coast Guard.

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is responsible for:

Search and Rescue;
Pollution and Salvage response in the marine environment;
Marine communications network;
Marine safety awareness. There are 51 Coast Guard units located in coastal areas and on inland waterways. All units are operated by volunteer crews who give up their time to help those in their local community. Volunteers work off a pager system and answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Disclaimer: This is the Facebook site of the Irish Coast Guard, run by the Irish Coast Guard, to keep the community informed of the service's activities. Opinions and comments expressed are not those of the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport, or the Irish Coast Guard which is a division within the Department. For information on Irish Coast Guard please visit the Coast Guard site at https://www.gov.ie

16/10/2026

Minister Seán Canney recently launched the new Irish Coast Guard website, www.coastguard.gov.ie, during a visit to Howth Coast Guard Unit, where he met volunteers and staff. During the visit, the Minister spoke about the Coast Guard's vital role in communities nationwide and the significant progress being made across equipment, technology, facilities, recruitment and training.

Also featured is Graham Charles, Officer in Charge of Dún Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit, who highlights the value of the new website as a resource for those wishing to learn more about the service. Jean O'Reilly of Drogheda Coast Guard Unit also shares her perspective on volunteering and the opportunities available within the Irish Coast Guard.

13/10/2026

💻 Minister Canney today launched a new national website for the Irish Coast Guard, https://coastguard.gov.ie/

The website provides 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.

10/10/2026

Today is .

Our coasts, rivers, lakes and waterways are important places in communities across Ireland.
Wherever we are, looking out for each other matters.

If you see someone in difficulty or at risk around the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Look out for each other — on land and around water.

09/10/2026

The Irish Coast Guard recently hosted a three-day European workshop on air surveillance technologies, bringing together over 50 delegates from 16 countries to strengthen how we monitor and respond to marine pollution.

In this video, Director Micheál O'Toole, EMSA Senior Project Officer Lito Xiropotiri and other attendees share their thoughts on the importance of partnership, innovation and protecting our shared marine environment.

08/10/2026

Last Friday, the Coast Guard hosted personnel from the National Ambulance Service’s Critical Care Retrieval Service (CCRS) at our Shannon helicopter and fixed wing aircraft bases. The meeting explored how to further deepen and strengthen how the Coast Guard and it’s air assets can support the Ambulance Service and is another example of our strong and valuable inter-agency relationship. Many thanks to the helicopter and fixed wing aircraft crews for the insightful and detailed briefings.

02/10/2026

Kilkee Coast Guard Unit recently hosted an Open Day for members of Kilkee Sub Aqua Club, Kilkee Dive Centre and Doonbeg and Kilkee Community First Responder Groups.

Attendees were given a briefing on the unit, it’s area of operations and capabilities as well as enjoying a tour of the station, boats and equipment.

Rescue Helicopter 115 landed as part of the briefing, before taking flight for a winching exercise demonstrated by members of Kilkee Coast Guard.

24/09/2026

⚓ Today is World Maritime Day

This year's theme is 'From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence'. This week, The Coast Guard is hosting the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) workshop on the use of air surveillance to enhance detection of maritime pollution.

The knowledge generated through these surveillance systems allows us to make informed policy decisions and identify emerging risks which ultimately safeguard our marine environment.

17/09/2026

Minister Seán Canney took the time to visit the Irish Coast Guard stand at this year's National Ploughing Championships, where he met with IRCG members and paid tribute to the rescuers whose dedication and commitment have made a real difference throughout the year.

This summer alone, the Irish Coast Guard assisted over 1,463 people and helped to save 240 lives, highlighting the incredible work carried out by volunteers and staff around the coast every day. 🌊

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by the stand, and to all Coast Guard members for their professionalism, dedication, and lifesaving service. 🚁🚤

12/09/2026

Today, we remember Caitríona Lucas on the 10th anniversary of her passing while on duty responding to an incident.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and Coast Guard colleagues who continue to cherish her memory.

Go mairidís beo.

Address

Coast Guard HQ
Dublin
D02TR60

Website

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/eda64a-the-irish-coast-guard/

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