Minister Naughten pays tribute to Roscommon Civil Defence

9 May 2018

Minister Denis Naughten has personally paid tribute to members of the Civil Defence unit in Roscommon as new figures reveal the unit is among the most active in the country.

According to new figures obtained by Local Minister Denis Naughten members of the Civil Defence in the county took part in 27 different activities in the first three months of this year.

And seven of the activities between January and March related to searches, stated Minister Naughten.

Among the most important volunteer work carried out by Roscommon Civil Defence related to the search of a missing person at the River Shannon near Athlone in mid-January.  The search was led by the Roscommon Civil Defence and supported by units from Westmeath, Galway and Cavan.

Figures show that Roscommon-based members took part in 14 sporting-based activities, three community based activities and three climate related activities.

The figures come as Government designates the first Saturday of September as National Frontline Services Day.

“This was a decision taken by Government in light of the extraordinary efforts we saw during Storm Ophelia and Storm Emma,” Minister Naughten said.

“Now, on the first Saturday in September, frontline workers will come together to formally receive the recognition they deserve for their commitment to the community,” added Naughten.

Minister Naughten praised the tremendous spirit shown by Roscommon Civil Defence.

“The fact that the Civil Defence unit in Roscommon is among the most active in the country demonstrates the level of professionalism and dedication shown by the volunteers involved.  They make us proud as a county every single day and they deserve our deep thanks and recognition,” stated Minister Naughten.

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