A new lifeboat station in Cappa, Kilrush, Co Clare, was opened on Saturday by the chairman of the RNLI, Mr David Ackland. A lifeboat, Rose West, was named by Mrs Helen Bevan, of Clarecastle. The 7.5 metre boat has the capacity for three hours at sea at full speed and a crew of three. It was handed over by the English based director of the RNLI, LtCmdr Brian Miles. The station cost £500,000.
Mr Richard Burke, Kilrush RNLI press officer and a crew member, said that this was the first lifeboat station opened in Munster in 100 years Fenit station was reopened two years ago. It is the first such station on the Shannon Estuary. Since Kilrush became operational 12 months ago, the service has been credited with 10 rescues.