Lough Neagh Rescue “extremely grateful” for £75,000 funding boost

The Department of Transport has granted the charity around £70,000, while just under £5,000 is to come from the Department of Justice.

The news, which has been met with great appreciation, means the charity will be able improve equipment and facilities at its stations in Antrim, Ardboe and Kinnego and invest in further training for its voluntary crew.

A spokesperson for Lough Neagh Rescue said: “We are extremely grateful to both the Department of Transport and the Department of Justice for the financial support they have recently granted Lough Neagh Rescue.

“As well as the £4,560 DOJ has allocated our charity, the Department of Transport has given us a bursary of over £70,000 which will allow us to buy new equipment and pay for further life-saving training for our members.

“Lough Neagh Rescue is always striving to improve its voluntary service and this money will help us to take our skills to the next level.”

Justice Minister, David Ford, announced the funding boost as part of an increase in Executive funding for voluntary organisations providing search and rescue services.

The funding available has now doubled from the £46,000 previously available, and six other voluntary organisations also benefited.

Mr Ford said: “Search and rescue services play a significant, potentially life-saving role each year across Northern Ireland. I want to thank all the voluntary groups for the important work that they undertake.

“The commitment and dedication shown by volunteers 365 days a year is vital in supporting the work of the statutory agencies. I am impressed at the strong level of partnership and cooperation.

“I am, therefore, pleased to announce that my Department will double the overall funding, to over £90,000, to help these organisations continue their work.”

The Department of Justice assumed responsibility for search and rescue (SAR) in Northern Ireland in 2011.