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€200,000 RNLI appeal launched as Arklow station prepares for new boat

Billy Roberts, Richie Hall, Tom Craine and Hugh O'Keeffe from Arklow Credit Union present a donation to John Bermingham of the Arklow RNLI, along with James Russell, Majella Myler, Jimmy Russell and Councillor Tommy Annesley. Photo: Michael Kelly

Eoin Mac Raghnaill
© Wicklow People

With Arklow RNLI’s new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, the Roy Holloway, arriving in south Wicklow this October, the station has launched a €200,000 fundraising appeal.

The new lifeboat itself has been funded by the legacy of Mr Sidney Roy Holloway, so the appeal funds will go towards vital training and equipment for the new lifeboat and station.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 2nd May 2024

This summer and autumn, the crew will undertake many weeks of training with specialist staff staying in Arklow to give the crew hands-on training on the new lifeboat. Arklow’s coxswains and mechanics will travel to the RNLI College in Poole to attend courses on the new equipment.

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead of us, and we realise that,” Arklow RNLI Press Officer Mark Corcoran said. “But our new lifeboat is going to improve our response times, and beach recovery and lots of other operations will be less labour intensive and much more safe for our volunteers.

“One of our first significant donations has been from Arklow Credit Union, a long-term supporter - a huge thanks to them. Following this we will launch an appeal to local and national businesses who may like to show their support.

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“Without supporters like this, there would be no lifeboat service. We need the whole community of Arklow and beyond to rally around now and help us raise these funds to help with our costs towards this new boat and associated training.

“Through my own business, I will be contributing to this fund, and I would encourage any business or individual that can, to show their support.”

If you or your business would like to show your support, you can contact the Arklow RNLI station at arklow@rnli.org.uk or 0402 32850.

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