Roscommon Sub Aqua Club’s current vehicle

A local first responder group has received almost €44,400 in state funding for the purchase of a new vehicle.

The Roscommon Sub Aqua Club received the funding as part of the CLÁR programme.  Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys last week announced over €1.6 million for community first responders across the country. The funding will support the purchase of a record 32 vehicles in rural communities.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the funding, saying it was a testament to the emergency rescue activities of the Roscommon Sub-Aqua Club.

“Their members are volunteers who answer the toughest calls to search and rescue individuals. This group helps families in crisis and I would like to thank Roscommon Underwater Search & Rescue for their service to the county and for the assistance they give to neighbouring counties. They also provide support to the Civil Defence and Irish Coastal Service,” she said.

The CLÁR funding of €44,387.04 will help purchase a new vehicle for the club, which is a voluntary group that depends on fundraising and the generous support of the local community, said Senator Dolan.

“New members are always welcome and the club travel around Ireland for training weekends. ‘Try A Dive’ events are a great way to check out whether you might have an interest in scuba diving – to gain an international qualification and learn more about waterways – rivers and lakes all around Roscommon,” she said. “Many people learn scuba-diving on backpacking trips, especially to Australia and South-East Asia so perhaps brushing up on skills back home with the Roscommon Sub-Aqua Club might be of interest.”