A £100,000 funding boost for voluntary search and rescue groups has been announced today.
The Justice Minister Naomi Long announced the "vital funding" saying that it will further help the dedicated groups continue their lifesaving response work.
Nine search and rescue groups across Northern Ireland will receive a share of the funding, which is a £15,000 increase on the amount allocated last year.
Voluntary search and rescue groups provide lifesaving support on inland waterways, mountains and caves, and also have dedicated search dog teams and a sky watch service.
Their work assists the emergency services along with their local communities.
Naomi Long said: “This vital funding will assist the voluntary search and rescue teams and their dedicated highly trained volunteers, to continue with their lifesaving response.
“I recognise and fully appreciate the contribution made by the voluntary search and rescue groups in supporting PSNI and Maritime and Coastguard Agency in responding to those in need of assistance.
"I am pleased to confirm the 2020/21 funding which supports and assists organisations and their volunteers by enabling them to purchase much needed safety equipment or help towards the cost of transport and training. I want to acknowledge the continued commitment of the voluntary search and rescue organisations during the current Covid-19 crisis.”
Ms Long also recognised the constant support that members of the public provide the voluntary search and rescue sector.
She said: “Throughout Northern Ireland the public generously supports search and rescue groups, these donations also help fund much needed equipment or support. Without such donations and support these groups would not be as well equipped to assist those who need it most.”
The funding will be allocated to eight of the nine groups as such:
- Community Rescue Service - £21,000
- Irish Cave Rescue Organisation - £9,250
- Lagan Search and Rescue - £19,200
- Lough Neagh Rescue - £5,700
- Mourne Mountain Rescue Team - £12,400
- North West Mountain Rescue Team - £18,500
- Search and Rescue Dog Association NI - £9,050
- Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol NI - £6,000
