§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport why the coastguard station at Ballycastle is not manned during adverse weather conditions; whether there is another permanently manned station on that part of the coast; how long it takes to have the Ballycastle station manned when an incident occurs; and what assurances he can give to the inhabitants of Rathlin island regarding their safety should they be caught by adverse weather while crossing to or from the mainland of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to the reply, Wednesday 25 April 1984, c. 520]: The auxiliary coastguard lookout at Ballycastle (in common with nearly all similar stations in the United Kingdom) is manned only when circumstances make it necessary. There is continuous VHF distress coverage off the Antrim coast from the Belfast maritime rescue sub-centre. This is the only permanently manned coastguard station in Northern Ireland.
A regular coastguard sector officer is based at Ballycastle; he is responsible for an auxiliary coastguard team who can man the Ballycastle station at a few minutes' notice.
Vessels plying between Rathlin island and the mainland should be properly equipped for this open sea passage: they should carry VHF radio, amongst other safety equipment, and with its aid would be able to keep in touch with the Belfast centre throughout their crossing. By this means, if the need occurred, the rescue services would be alerted very quickly. There is an auxilliary coastguard unit based on Rathlin island itself.