• News
  • Emergency Response
    • Coastal Search Team
    • Cliff & Heights Rescue
    • Underwater Sonar Unit
    • Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)
    • Mountain Bike Unit
    • All Terrain Vehicles
    • Pollution & Salvage
    • Medical Assistance
    • Incident Command
  • Prevention
    • Lifejacket Compliance
    • Youth Programme
    • Suicide Prevention
  • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Photos & Video
    • Useful Information
    • Recruitment
    • History
    • Other Agencies & Resources
Irish Coast Guard - Howth Unit

200 Years of Coast Guard (1822 - 2022)

4/7/2022

 
Picture
Coast Guards of Malahide - Declan Howard (Retired Irish Coast Guard, Howth).

Following the reorganisation of the Preventative Water Guard in 1822 which was established to combat smuggling the newly titled Coast Guard continued the work which had been the task of the Water Guard along the east coast. A station which was established in 1821 facing the Green (now called Town Park) in Malahide was expanded and consisted of a terrace of 2 storey buildings housing the guards and their families. This was prior to the construction of the railway in 1849 , thus the station had very good oversight of the Broadmeadow both upper and lower estuary A flagstaff or yardarm was placed on the green for parade and signalling purposes. The station was closed in 1886 when a new and larger station was built on the eastern side of Robswalls close to High Rock and not too far from the Martello Tower at Portmarnock. Although still well within living memory the original building at the Green are now long gone replaced by apartments and only an artist’s picture is available of the original front elevations of the station.

Following the burning by anti- treaty forces in 1921 of a number of Coast Guard Stations including the one at Robswalls which were completely destroyed and many were subsequently demolished. However a number of stations did survive and can be identified by the distinctive architecture and stone wall surrounds. Near the former Martello Tower converted by the famous architect Hicks there is a small dwelling which is called coast guard cottages which may have provided additional accommodation for families of the guards.

Cottages were still occupied over the decades at the site of the Robswalls station although completely renovated and in private hands they effectively mark the location of this station.

The role of the coast guard was essentially revenue protection and observation with rescue at sea last but not least the other role. Staffed by sailors which formed a Royal Navy reserve and managed by retired Royal Navy Officers the guards were armed and had small vessels at their disposal, Following the outbreak of the Great War many of these men were called up for naval service and as we know many never returned. The locations of these stations was carefully chosen for observation and communication value and as can be seen followed closely the location of many Martello Towers which were constructed to repel an invasion by Napoleonic forces 1803 to 1815.

Picture

    Call 112 and Ask For Coast Guard

    If you think somebody is in difficulty on the coast / cliff / beach / sea then dial 112 and ask for COAST GUARD.

    Our team of 25 volunteers based at Howth Harbour provide 24/7 on-call coverage and have specialised training to respond to local coastal emergencies in their own locality.

    Archives

    June 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.