Irish Coast Guard Launches New Dedicated Website
Tuesday 13 October 2026
The Irish Coast Guard has launched its first dedicated national website, providing a new online resource for coastal and water safety advice, recruitment information and news from the service.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney TD, officially launched the new website, www.coastguard.gov.ie, as part of a wider programme aimed at modernising the service and strengthening its operational capabilities.
The launch comes during a particularly busy year for the Coast Guard, which has responded to 2,500 incidents so far in 2026, providing lifesaving assistance to 4,218 people. Incident numbers during the summer were reported to have increased by 11% compared with the same period in 2025.
The new website is intended to provide a central point of information for members of the public, offering guidance on staying safe along the coast and on the water, as well as information about the work of Coast Guard personnel and volunteers.
The website launch forms part of the Irish Coast Guard's wider Stewardship – Leading Together Transformation Programme, which includes investment in equipment, technology, facilities, training and volunteer support.
Among the major developments underway is a programme to replace the service's existing search and rescue boat fleet with new rigid inflatable boats and inshore rescue boats. The first new vessel is expected to be delivered in 2027, with further deliveries planned in phases through to 2031.
The service has also completed the transition to its new aviation contract, with search and rescue helicopter operations based at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Weston Airport in Dublin. A dedicated fixed-wing aircraft service also operates from Shannon.
Further improvements are planned for the Coast Guard's digital systems, including replacement IT equipment across all 44 Coast Guard units, new mobile paging and alerting systems, and enhanced software to support search and rescue coordination.
The transformation programme also places emphasis on supporting volunteers, improving training and career development opportunities, and strengthening operational coordination and governance.
Minister Canney said the new standalone website reflected the vital role played by the Irish Coast Guard in communities nationwide. He acknowledged the commitment of staff and volunteers who provide a round-the-clock service to those living, working and travelling along Ireland's coastline.
The Irish Coast Guard works closely with the RNLI and other emergency services in responding to incidents around the coast and inland waterways. Coast Guard rescue coordination centres regularly task RNLI lifeboats to assist people in difficulty, making effective communication and coordination essential to successful search and rescue operations.
Members of the public can visit the new website at www.coastguard.gov.ie to learn more about the service, access safety information and find out about opportunities to become involved.
Anyone who sees a person in difficulty at sea or along the coast should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
