A call has been made for a permanent base in Killarney for the town’s Water Rescue Unit after Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Killarney Municipal District.

Cllr Grady tabled a notice of motion asking the Council to write to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to identify a suitable site within or near the town.

The proposal was fully supported by councillors and seconded by Cllr Brendan Cronin.

The unit currently has no base in Killarney, and members are storing boats and equipment outside the area and in their own homes. Councillors said this delays response times at a point when the number of call outs has increased in recent years.

With the town surrounded by lakes and rivers, the unit is often required to respond quickly to incidents.

Councillors agreed that a dedicated base near high-risk areas would significantly improve how the service operates.

They said the unit needs a secure and practical location where equipment can be stored safely and accessed without delay.

The Killarney Water Rescue Unit is made up entirely of volunteers who give their time to assist the emergency services.

They respond to difficult and sometimes dangerous situations to protect both residents and visitors.

Members of the Municipal District said the group’s commitment merits full support and that securing a proper base is a matter of public safety.