Bristow transition further enhances local Coast Guard Search and Rescue capabilities

•New landmark aviation operations officially launched at Waterford Airport

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD has welcomed the official commencement of Search and Rescue aviation operations by Bristow Ireland Ltd, at an official launch event held at Waterford Airport this afternoon.

The commencement of this landmark 10-year contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases served by six AW189 helicopters, in Waterford, Shannon, Sligo and Dublin.

In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a 24-hour fixed wing aircraft element, using two King Air aircraft - which can be transferred to the Irish Air Corps after a period of 5 years.

Speaking at today’s launch event, Minister Cummins said: “Today is a great day for Waterford and the wider South East region as the enhanced Search and Rescue capabilities are officially launched. This is a very significant contract worth €816million over 10 years with the option to extend for a further 3 years. Minister Canney and I have seen first-hand through todays’ demonstrations how integration between the AW189s and Coast Guard units will work going forward – and overall, this transition will strengthen the national response network.”

Minister Cummins was involved in extensive negotiations with government colleagues in recent years to secure the future of Ireland’s four regional operational bases. These discussions ultimately formed a decision by Cabinet that the retention of the four existing bases would become a precondition of the procurement process.

Minister Cummins concluded by paying tribute to the staff and volunteers who risk their lives every day in order to keep communities safe.

“It would be remiss not to pay tribute to the amazing men and women of the Irish Coast Guard who give everything to keep us all safe, 24/7 – 365 days a year. There is a fantastic legacy of staff who have served with great distinction for many years, and I have no doubt that these highly skilled personnel will continue the great and crucial work that they have rightly become renowned for under the guidance of the new operator Bristow Ireland Ltd.”