Members of Civil Defence Clare at the launch of the new Civil Defence Boat at the River Fergus in Ennis. Photograph: Paul Corey
CLARE CIVIL DEFENCE has taken delivery of a new €28,000 rescue boat.
Emergency response times and water safety capabilities across the county will now be improved for Clare Civil Defence following the addition of the new vessel. Supplied by Inland Inflatables in Sligo, the €28,000 rescue boat was 70% funded through Dormant Accounts Funding made available by the Department of Defence, with the remaining 30% funded by Clare County Council.
Headquarters of the Clare Civil Defence in the Quin Rd Business Park in Ennis will serve as the base for the rescue boat. It is now part of an existing fleet that includes two ambulances, two operational support vehicles, five 4WD jeeps, and three drone units. It will be operated by trained volunteer coxswains from the Clare Civil Defence Boat Team.
A special blessing ceremony was held at the Civil Defence headquarters after which the boat was officially launched from the slipway at the River Fergus on the Tulla Road in Ennis.
Established in 1951, the Clare Civil Defence experienced one of its busiest years on record in 2024 responding to 113 separate events and incidents. Its 74 active volunteers played vital roles in providing medical cover at public events and supporting emergency services during extreme weather conditions and major search efforts including 24 missing person searches.
Welcoming the new addition, Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Mary Howard (FG), said the investment represents a significant enhancement to Clare Civil Defence’s operational capacity. “This rescue boat ensures our volunteers are better equipped than ever to respond to emergencies, support community events, and assist in critical water-based search and rescue operations in Clare and beyond”.
Director of Services, Physical Development, Clare County Council, Alan Farrell, said the new boat is an important step to strengthen the capabilities of the Civil Defence and it “also reflects Clare County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting the volunteers who give their time and expertise to keep our communities safe”.
Clare Civil Defence Officer, Steven Hayes explained, “The new boat can carry up to nine passengers and is fitted with a 40-horsepower outboard engine, electric tilt and trim, and will be stocked with essential emergency equipment. Crewed by Civil Defence volunteers trained in boat handling and water rescue operations, the rescue boat will be deployed to incidents across the county, helping to save lives and support those in need during critical operations. The new vessel represents a major upgrade to our fleet and is an important investment in the safety of our volunteers. It ensures they are equipped with the most modern, up-to-date equipment available”.
