Ford announces funding for Foyle Search and Rescue

Foyle Search and Rescue has been awarded £3,157 funding by the Department of Justice.

The Derry charity is one of nine groups allocated funding of over £90,000 for voluntary groups providing search and rescue services.

Announcing the funding, Justice Minister said the funding would assist all nine voluntary groups within the Northern Ireland Practitioners Group to continue their vital work.

He added: “In recent months, I have visited many of these groups and have been hugely impressed by their professionalism and proficiency as they undertake their life-saving role.

“The devotion and commitment by team members is evident through the 365 days a year service they provide in close partnership with the statutory agencies.

“I am pleased to confirm that, despite current financial pressures, my Department will maintain the level of funding provided last year.

“This is nearly double the grant which was paid in 2014 before the Department of Justice took responsibility.

“While this funding will go some way to assist groups to carry out their important work, they can only survive with voluntary contributions. I would encourage the community to continue to support these groups with their local fundraising activities.”

The Department of Justice assumed responsibility for the allocation of available funding from 1 April last year and had sought bids from all of the nine groups on the Search and Rescue Practitioners Group.

Funding for 16/17 has been allocated as follows:

Community Rescue Service - £21,972 Irish Cave Rescue Organisation - £9,241 North West Mountain Rescue Team - £21,000 Lough Neagh Rescue - £6,610 Foyle Search and Rescue - £3,157 Search and Rescue Dog Association - £12,700 Mourne Mountain Rescue Team - £10,900 Skywatch - £3,500 Lagan Search and Rescue - £1,800