All weather lifeboat for Red Bay RNLI

Members of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee wholeheartedly endorsed a request from the RNLI for assistance for the new project.

Director of Environmental Services Aidan McPeak said: “The RNLI is to position a Tent class All Weather Lifeboat in the Red Bay area on a 2/3 year trial basis. The RNLI has identified, after an extensive review process, that there is a need to upgrade the existing assets they have in the area.

“This would improve Search and Rescue cover on the North and East coast, ensuring the safety of their crews and the general public. The preferred site would be at Red Bay pier, which is in the ownership of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

“This would initially involve mooring facilities off the pier, landing pontoon and gangway alongside the pier, possible facilities for a boarding boat at pier, provision of water/electrical facilities and dredging work at pier and temporary accommodation (two or three portacabins) at the pier.

“RNLI have indicated that they will liaise with existing pier users to ensure that any change to current arrangements will enable them to continue existing activities with minimal disruption.”

Cllr Margaret Anne McKillop proposed granting the request saying it was a “good news story for Red Bay”.

Cllr Sam Cole seconded the proposal saying the work the RNLI does is “second to none”.