1988 The RNLI established an inshore lifeboat (ILB) station in March with a D class lifeboat. The ILB station was located at Ned’s Point Fort, north of Buncrana.

1993  Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum were awarded to Crew Members Bernard Devlin and Mark Porter and Framed Letters of Thanks were presented to Helmsman George O'Hagan and Frank O'Hagan for a service on the night of the 24–25 August 1992. Both the D class lifeboat and a 20ft rigid inflatable boat were used in the search for two people in a missing speedboat.

They were rescued from rocks at the foot of the cliff at Dunree Head. Bernard Devlin entered the water and swam with a line in breaking seas to Dunree Head; Mark Porter, who had been searching the shoreline, had descended the 35ft cliff in darkness to reach one of the stranded men.

1995 A new boathouse was built for the D class lifeboat and for a B class Atlantic lifeboat and tractor. Improved crew facilities and a souvenir sales outlet were also provided.

An Atlantic 21 lifeboat was placed on temporary station duty on 25 March. This was replaced by an Atlantic 75 lifeboat, B-717 Daisy Aitken, which was placed on service on 5 October.

1996 A new D class lifeboat, D-502 Inis Eoghain, was placed on service on 10 June.

2000 An all weather Tyne class lifeboat, ON-1111 William Luckin, was placed on service on 29 September.

2007 Second Coxswain Mark Barrett was accorded Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum for saving the fishing vessel Mary-Ellen and her crew of six on 12 November 2006. Deputy Second Coxswain George O'Hagan was presented with a Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman for his part in the service.

Station honours

At Lough Swilly lifeboat station the following awards have been made:

Framed Letter of Thanks 3
Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum 3