Menu
20/10/2022
New Funding Announced For NI Search and Rescue Groups
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced funding of £100,000 for Northern Ireland Search and Rescue (NISAR) groups, bringing the total allocated to more than £1.2million in the past seven years.
Nine voluntary search and rescue groups provide assistance to Northern Ireland emergency services on inland waterways, coastal areas, mountains and caves. A specialist search dogs unit and sky watch aviation facility are also among the services deployed in rescue operations.
Speaking after a visit to Foyle Search and Rescue centre, The Justice Minister, Naomi Long highlighted the essential work carried out by committed and selfless volunteers: "It has never been more important to support our voluntary search and rescue groups. With a reported increase in emergency call-outs post Covid, and the current pressure on the cost of living and running costs, the work of dedicated volunteers is impressive and increasingly needed.
"I know there are more than 500 volunteers working with the various search and rescue groups - men and women of all ages who give freely of their time to learn expert life-saving skills and put themselves at risk to help search for and rescue others. The funding I have announced today will assist with day to day running costs, and help to replace protective clothing, equipment and support ongoing training."
The Minister added: "The visit today has given me an opportunity to see first-hand how our search and rescue volunteers mobilise and respond, it has also provided me with the opportunity to thank all those involved in Foyle Search and Rescue and the wider NISAR groups, for their tireless commitment to helping others in need."
Since its inception back in 1993, Foyle Search and Rescue has been responsible for saving 490 people from the River Foyle and helping over 4.500 people who intended to enter the water.
During the visit the Minister met staff and volunteers who took time to explain the many pieces of equipment they use in search and rescue from the River Foyle as well as in emergencies across the province.
Stephen Twells, FSAR Chair said: "The financial support we receive from the Department of Justice and other public organisations helps with our considerable running costs. Without it we would struggle to maintain the level of service which we currently provide."
Nine voluntary search and rescue groups provide assistance to Northern Ireland emergency services on inland waterways, coastal areas, mountains and caves. A specialist search dogs unit and sky watch aviation facility are also among the services deployed in rescue operations.
Speaking after a visit to Foyle Search and Rescue centre, The Justice Minister, Naomi Long highlighted the essential work carried out by committed and selfless volunteers: "It has never been more important to support our voluntary search and rescue groups. With a reported increase in emergency call-outs post Covid, and the current pressure on the cost of living and running costs, the work of dedicated volunteers is impressive and increasingly needed.
"I know there are more than 500 volunteers working with the various search and rescue groups - men and women of all ages who give freely of their time to learn expert life-saving skills and put themselves at risk to help search for and rescue others. The funding I have announced today will assist with day to day running costs, and help to replace protective clothing, equipment and support ongoing training."
The Minister added: "The visit today has given me an opportunity to see first-hand how our search and rescue volunteers mobilise and respond, it has also provided me with the opportunity to thank all those involved in Foyle Search and Rescue and the wider NISAR groups, for their tireless commitment to helping others in need."
Since its inception back in 1993, Foyle Search and Rescue has been responsible for saving 490 people from the River Foyle and helping over 4.500 people who intended to enter the water.
During the visit the Minister met staff and volunteers who took time to explain the many pieces of equipment they use in search and rescue from the River Foyle as well as in emergencies across the province.
Stephen Twells, FSAR Chair said: "The financial support we receive from the Department of Justice and other public organisations helps with our considerable running costs. Without it we would struggle to maintain the level of service which we currently provide."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2019
Body Found In Missing Person Search
The search for a "high-risk missing person" in north Belfast has sadly ended with the discovery of a body. Volunteers from the Community Rescue Service (CRS) were deployed to the area on Tuesday morning, 28 May, to assist in the search for a person who had been missing from their home for some time.
Body Found In Missing Person Search
The search for a "high-risk missing person" in north Belfast has sadly ended with the discovery of a body. Volunteers from the Community Rescue Service (CRS) were deployed to the area on Tuesday morning, 28 May, to assist in the search for a person who had been missing from their home for some time.
24 May 2018
Funding Announced For Voluntary Search And Rescue Groups
Funding of more than £80,000 has been awarded to nine voluntary search and rescue groups in Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice has announced. The support package includes a contribution of £41,000 from the Department for Communities.
Funding Announced For Voluntary Search And Rescue Groups
Funding of more than £80,000 has been awarded to nine voluntary search and rescue groups in Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice has announced. The support package includes a contribution of £41,000 from the Department for Communities.
01 October 2007
Missing Diver's Body Found
The body of a diver missing off the Co Galway coast has been recovered this afternoon. The 42-year-old man was with three colleagues diving close to the entrance of Killary Harbour. They raised the alarm when the man failed to surface. Coast Guard, rescue teams, and the Garda diving unit were involved in the search operation.
Missing Diver's Body Found
The body of a diver missing off the Co Galway coast has been recovered this afternoon. The 42-year-old man was with three colleagues diving close to the entrance of Killary Harbour. They raised the alarm when the man failed to surface. Coast Guard, rescue teams, and the Garda diving unit were involved in the search operation.
29 September 2022
Poots Announces New Lough Neagh Rescue Centre
A major refurbishment project has been completed at Lough Neagh Rescue Centre at Kinnego Marina.
Poots Announces New Lough Neagh Rescue Centre
A major refurbishment project has been completed at Lough Neagh Rescue Centre at Kinnego Marina.
28 March 2022
K9 Search And Rescue Buy New Equipment With Power NI Funding
K9 Search and Rescue has purchased new equipment, including an underwater camera, thanks to a £1000 grant as part of Power NI's Brighter Communities initiative.
K9 Search And Rescue Buy New Equipment With Power NI Funding
K9 Search and Rescue has purchased new equipment, including an underwater camera, thanks to a £1000 grant as part of Power NI's Brighter Communities initiative.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
