The Dunmore East lifeboat returns to Waterford after more than a year out of action.

The Elizabeth and Ronald Trent Class lifeboat was put out of commission at the end of November 2017 when a fishing trawler rammed against a pontoon which then hit it.

It was brought to Falmouth in March of last year to be repaired and recently passed sea trials.

The vessel will arrive at Dunmore East at 5:00pm on Sunday under escort of the current relief boat.

PRO for the Dunmore East Lifeboat Neville Murphy told WLR News it will be an emotional day: “Lifeboats are like members of the family, I suppose it’s a bit like a member of the family coming home from the hospital. We want to give it a good welcome.”

The life boat station is open to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

Photo: stock image