Kyne proposal given green light as €200,000 granted to renew and upgrade Mountain Rescue equipment

Fine Gael TD for Galway West and Mayo South, Seán Kyne, has today (Thursday), welcomed the news that a new €200,000 Capital Grant Scheme has been launched to provide a once-off grant to Mountain Rescue Teams. The idea for the scheme was initially raised by Deputy Kyne last December in a Dáil question to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD.

“In the Dáil chamber Minister Varadkar committed to examining his department’s budget with a view to introducing a once-off grant scheme to assist mountain rescue teams in upgrading and renewing equipment, including multi-terrain vehicles, which are essential to the work of the teams.

“There are 12 mountain rescue teams in Ireland who voluntarily carry out essential work in rescuing local people and visitors in difficulty while hill-walking or mountaineering. The teams are funded under a scheme operated on behalf of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport by the Irish Coast Guard which acts as Chair of the National Co-ordinating Committee for Mountain and Cave Rescue.

“This capital grant scheme is hugely welcome for our voluntary mountain rescue teams such as Galway Mountain Rescue and Mayo Mountain Rescue. These teams carry out often life-saving work in assisting people who encounter difficulties while participating in activities on the hills and mountains in Connemara and the West.

“I’ve met with Galway Mountain Rescue representatives on several occasions regarding funding and I’ve relayed the needs of the teams to the Minister. I commend Minister Varadkar for his openness and flexibility on this important issue.

“The funding of €200,000 will enable our Mountain Rescue Teams to purchase new vehicles and equipment so that they can continue to provide their essential services which have grown in importance given our renewed emphasis on outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way.”