'An important step forward': Clare Civil Defence welcomes new rescue boat

The Clare Civil Defence have welcomed a brand-new rescue boat, significantly strengthening the organisation’s emergency response and water safety capabilities across the county.

The new vessel, valued at €28,000, was supplied by Inland Inflatables in Sligo and was 70% funded through Dormant Accounts Funding made available by the Department of Defence. The remaining 30% was funded by Clare County Council.

The rescue boat will be based at Clare Civil Defence Headquarters on the Quin Road in Ennis, joining 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 Civil Defence HQ, after which the boat was officially launched from the slipway at the River Fergus in Ennis.

Welcoming the new addition, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Mary Howard said the investment represents a significant enhancement to Clare Civil Defence’s operational capacity.

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“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,” she said.

Director of Services, Physical Development, Clare County Council, Alan Farrell, said: “The delivery of this new rescue boat marks an important step forward in strengthening the capabilities of Clare Civil Defence. 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 County Council is committed to resourcing and supporting our Civil Defence volunteers as we have done since the organisation’s establishment in 1951.”

The delivery of the new vessel comes after the organisation experienced its busiest year 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.

Clare Civil Defence Officer, Steven Hayes said: “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," he added.