#RNLI - The RNLI’s first permanent inland lifeboat station is now complete and fully operational on Upper Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh.
After been housed in temporary accommodation for 13 years, Enniskilllen RNLI volunteers were handed the keys to their new building in Carrybridge this week.
The modern purpose-built lifeboat station is located close to the lough to allow for an efficient launch of its inshore lifeboat and rescue water craft.
The station, which also houses the associated launching tractor and equipment, full crew changing facilities, a workshop, office and training room, will be officially opened later this year.
First announced nearly two years ago, the build took little over a year to complete was carried out by the Omagh based Woodvale Construction Company and handed over to the RNLI last Wednesday 25 March.
The building is designed with a heating system which allows the heat to be drawn from the ground and produced inside, keeping the temperature at an ambient 15 degrees Celsius. The excess is used to heat the water for showering, washing-up and cleaning the vessels. Solar panels on the roof will also generate electricity for the station's needs.
In order to facilitate the project, the local community helped the charity raise £60,000 towards the cost, which will now help the RNLI’s 40 volunteers based at Enniskillen to continue to save lives on Lough Erne.
In 2001, Enniskillen became home to the RNLI’s first inland lifeboat station based on Lower Lough Erne. Due to the overall size and complexity of the lough and its high leisure usage, the decision was taken by the RNLI in 2002 to base a second lifeboat on the Upper Lough at Carrybridge that would work in conjunction with the original lifeboat station on the Lower Lough at Killadeas.
With two bases, two inshore lifeboats and two rescue water craft, the station has since proved to be one of the busiest in Ireland.
Last year alone, Enniskillen RNLI launched 59 times, bringing 57 people to safety. Some 32 of those services were carried out in the dark while the crew spent 262 service hours on the water.
Speaking following the handover of the new building, RNLI divisional technical manager Derek Potter said he was delighted that the station was now complete.
"From the outset, we wanted to build a modern station with full crew facilities with areas for the crew to change and train and space to keep their lifeboat and rescue water craft and lifesaving kit safe," he said.
"We now have those facilities and are very happy to be in a position to take over the new lifeboat station and are delighted with both the design and quality of the building."
Enniskillen lifeboat operations manager Davey Robinson added that the new station was what the crew deserved.
"The new station is a testament to the RNLI’s commitment and dedication to the community here locally and a credit to our crews efforts in continuing to bring people to safety on Lough Erne," he said.
"Our volunteers had an opportunity to be shown around their new station this week and they are overwhelmed with the structure and facilities that they now have when they come together for callouts and training.
"We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to get to this stage including all those who donated, organised or participated in any fundraising activity."
