6.5 Programme E – Maritime Transport & Safety
6.5 Programme E – Maritime Transport & Safety
High Level Goal: To deliver an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable Maritime system that supports communities, households, and businesses.
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Maritime Transport & Safety Indicative Annual Allocations
| Programme E: Maritime Transport & Safety* | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | |
| €8m | €8m | €43m | €43m | €43m |
*All funding is indicative and subject to annual Estimates process; rounding may affect totals.
Programme Summary
This programme comprises two key aspects over the period 2026 to 2030: the Irish Coast Guard buildings programme and the proposed replacement of the Commissioners of Irish Lights’ (CIL) vessel ILV Granuaile.
The Irish Coast Guard is supported by approximately 1,000 volunteers in 44 units around our coast. Many of these facilities are not fit for purpose. Following a full review of the building programme, a new strategy was launched in 2025, with a focus on more agile delivery mechanisms and more diverse range of solutions to include leasing, upgrades, etc.
The CIL is tasked with upholding the State’s statutory obligations for the provision of marine aids to navigation (AtoN). The Irish State has international and national legal obligations to provide for maritime safety, including to uphold the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS Convention) and the provisions for the safety of all vessels at sea set out in the Merchant Shipping Acts. The replacement of the CIL vessel ILV Granuaile was included as an objective of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and was subsequently set out in the Programme for Government (2025).
Delivery Structures
In relation to the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) building programme, the Department will be the Approving Authority with the IRCG as the Sponsoring Agency and the Office of Public Works as the Contracting Authority.
For the ILV Granuaile project, the Department will be the Approving Authority, with the CIL acting as the Sponsoring Agency.
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