Lagan Search and Rescue (LSR) on Belfast Lough has announced that following a successful application to the Department of Agriculture Rural Community Rescue Scheme, the charity will be able to replace its ageing fleet of emergency response vehicles, update personal protective equipment and purchase a new Class 2 Lifeboat.
The investment of almost £264K will also strengthen the 999 response capability on the River Lagan, Belfast Harbour, Belfast Lough and the wider Northern Ireland community. The funding is part of a £2 million Covid scheme to help support vital search and rescue teams across Northern Ireland announced by DAERA Minister Edwin Poots. He told the Assembly that the funding will help the nine Northern Ireland Search and Rescue (NISAR) teams.
LSR provides a dedicated, independent lifeboat, working under the Rescue Boat Code of Practice and a Quayside Response Team working to the same professional standards as H.M. Coastguard, Rescue Swimmer Corps and Emergency Medical Response Team.
Noel Keenan, of LSAR's Operational Management Committee, says: “This vital funding from Minister Poots is a tremendous boost to the service we offer and will allow us to effectively respond to emergencies throughout Northern Ireland. It will also enable us to maintain an effective lifeboat response for all users of the River Lagan, Belfast Lough, and surrounding communities. Without such support, it would be hard for us to maintain our current service. We would like to thank Edwin Poots MLA and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for their support”.
