Community loan for Corrib Mask Search and Rescue

Corrib Mask Search and Rescue is a voluntary organisation established in 2004 replacing an ad hoc group of anglers who provided a basic rescue service on the larger lakes in the South Mayo/North Galway area. The service is located on Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and has mobile facilities that are available to be deployed anywhere within the catchment area. 

 

Over the past 10 years the organisation has rescued more than 50 people, recovered remains and made numerous safety interventions. Up to 80% of those in difficulty are anglers unfamiliar with boating or unfamiliar with the weather patterns of the lakes.

 

The committee fundraised for a permanent base in Tourmakeady, Co Mayo in 2010. This base was built following a drowning accident and it was decided that a base on Lough Mask would improve response times. All funds were raised locally and the project delivered and completed by the volunteer committee.

 

The organisation worked with South West Mayo Development Company and FORUM Connemara to secure LEADER funding for the purchase of two D Class Inshore Rescue boats. The new boats are able to carry more crew members and casualties and launch in worse weather conditions. They are equipped with the very latest safety equipment including satellite tracking of the boat and twin outboard engines.

 

Commenting on the assistance provided by Clann Credo, Chairperson Vincent Heneghan said; “Corrib Mask Search and Rescue are a voluntary organisation who provides year round search and rescue cover on Lough Corrib and Lough Mask and are a designated resource of the Irish Coast Guard. We received LEADER funding to purchase 2 new coastguard standard rescue boats, we needed loan facilities to access the funding so we approached Clann Credo, they understood our needs and worked with us to complete the project and we now have 2 new rescue boats serving the communities of Mayo and Galway. We found Clann Credo to be very helpful and professional to work with and we would gladly recommend them to any community group looking for finance.”

 

To find out more about the LEADER programme and your Local Development Company (LDC), see the directory of LDCs around Ireland on the Irish Local Development Network's website HERE.