The Irish Coast Guard’s next generation aircraft, provided under a new ten-year contract, will provide for a year-round, day and night search and rescue helicopter service, delivered by a fleet of six AW189 choppers based in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford. The transition to the new service is scheduled to start later in the year.
For the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will also have a dedicated fixed wing service, which will be located at Shannon Airport. The fixed wing capability will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to co-ordinate search and rescue missions and conduct environmental and ship casualty monitoring of Ireland’s exclusive economic zone, an area encompassing approximately 132,000 square miles.
For the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will have dedicated fixed wing service, located at Shannon Airport.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard said that the new contract represents “an exciting time” for the organisation.
He added that the new service will be introduced gradually over a phased basis with particular attention being paid to enable a smooth transition from the current operator CHC Ireland to Bristow Ireland Limited. “The release of the new specialist aircraft, which will replace the existing fleet, marks another important step on the transition of our Coast Guard to the new service provision.”
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