Dun Laoghaire is expecting a new IB1 to replace current the D-class inshore boat. The new boat is the latest development of the popular D-class which has evolved over more than 45 years of service with the RNLI. Dun Laoghaire has been home to a D-class since 1986.

Unlike other members of the ILB fleet the IB1 does not have a rigid hull. It has a single outboard engine and can be righted manually by the crew following a capsize.

The IB1 normally has a crew of three or four and is primarily used for surfer/swimmer incidents as well as assisting in cliff incidents where the casualty is near the water. The very nature of its work requires a swift response, and the IB1 can normally be afloat within five minutes of the pagers going off.

Training for the new boat is expected to commence soon.