Foynes and District Search and Rescue was officially launched at Foynes Pier last Sunday. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan who launched the unit described it as a “vital service that will undoubtedly save lives”. Speaking at the launch, which attracted over 250 guests, Deputy O’Donovan paid tribute to West Limerick Resources and those who had worked to bring the unit to Foynes with extensive fundraising.

“I know that the people who have worked on this have been raising money in a wide variety of ways over the last two years, be it with table quizzes, sponsored walks or sponsored horse rides just to mention a few, and you deserve a lot of praise. Without your contribution we wouldn’t have this service which will undoubtedly go on to save lives.”

Foynes Search and Rescue was established in July 2009 and currently has 30 members. Foynes is home to one of the biggest sailing clubs on the Shannon Estuary but up to now there has been no dedicated search and rescue organisation within a one hour call-out should an incident occur.