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Plea for last ditch reprieve for rescue tug    27/9/11

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has urged the government to keep a coastguard emergency tug in the Minch until new funding filters through.

The council has pinpointed where the money will come from but needs the transport minister to proactively divert the cash from various arms of government.

It has submitted an action plan to the Department of Transport outlining an approach for the next six months in relation to securing the Emergency Towing Vehicle (ETV). The contract for the tugs runs out at the end of this week.

The Comhairle points out its own risk assessment “clearly shows that there is an significantly increased risk to life and of a major environmental disaster if there is no tug.”

It suggests a strategic, partnership-driven approach between the Department of Transport, (DoT) the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the local councils in the Highlands and Islands. The development of the plan follows a previous submission to Mike Penning, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport outlining potential sources for the future funding of the ETV.

Cllr Angus Campbell, leader of the Comhairle, said: "I am clear that the primary responsibility to ensure human safety at sea and for protection from pollution lies with the UK Government. They must take that responsibility seriously.

Although our action plan is clear in regard to that responsibility, we are, however, suggesting that there would be value in working together over the next six months in order to lever out the funds required to retain the ETV. “

He highlighted cash for retaining the tug have been “clearly identified” but since they are tied up in other arms of government the Department of Transport needs to get the money released.

Mr Campbell added: “To facilitate that work and to provide the appropriate time, it is imperative that the ETV contracts in the north and west of Scotland are extended for six months and through the action plan I am urging the Minister to extend the contract without further delay."

"I have written to the minister submitting the action plan and also suggesting that the Comhairle would be willing to discuss how the contract extension could best be implemented. The Comhairle would be willing to be highly innovative in this regard and identify mechanisms to assist procurement and to help reduce overall costs.

“We would be happy to meet, at short notice, to discuss how this could be done and to discuss how an appropriate funding package for the six months period could be achieved. This reflects the importance we place on the ETV. It is imperative that that importance is shared by the Government."