Minister of State Sean Canney T.D., with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, today officially launched the Irish Coast Guard’s enhanced aviation service at Waterford Airport. This event follows Government approving a Memorandum noting the successful completion of the transition to the new Bristow Ireland-operated service, which provides a modern, resilient and expanded aviation fleet for Ireland’s emergency response needs.

The aviation service delivers 24/7 helicopter operations using six AW189 helicopters across four bases – Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Weston Airport, Dublin. The contract also includes a 24/7 dedicated fixed-wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft based in Shannon which will work as an integrated service to enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to deliver maritime and inland Search and Rescue, environmental monitoring, aeromedical support to the offshore islands as well as other aviation support to other State entities, including the National Ambulance Service and inland Search And Rescue support to An Garda Síochána.

“This contract is a result of a thorough and complex procurement process undertaken by my department. The procurement project was completed on time and within the estimated budget. Following contract award, the operation of the individual bases transitioned to Bristow Ireland on a phased basis and without any interruption to services.

The provision of six helicopters, five of which are newly built, and the addition of the fixed-wing service represents a significant boost to overall capability. The fixed wing provides an added dimension including Search and Rescue coordination, the ability to deploy life rafts, top-cover communications for longer range missions and importantly, a maritime environmental monitoring role.

“I would like to acknowledge Waterford Airport’s long-standing role in supporting helicopter Search and Rescue response. The location of this helicopter base complements the Shannon and Dublin bases, as well as enabling timely response to inland areas such as the Comeragh mountains.”

“We never underestimate the vital role Search and Rescue teams play in communities across Ireland.