The first of the Coast Guard’s new fleet of helicopters, one of which will be based in Sligo, have arrived in Ireland.
Their arrival has been welcomed by Junior Minister for Transport, James Lawless.
The first of the helicopters has arrived at Weston Airport in Dublin, which will be its permanent home.
More helicopters will be allocated to Sligo, Waterford and Shannon, with a Fixed Wing service, which will consist of two aircraft, also to be housed in Shannon.
The contract for the provision of the helicopters has been taken over by Bristow Ltd, and the rest of the helicopters will arrive on a phased basis between now and July 2025.
That transition will begin at the end of October.
Speaking after the arrival of the first helicopter, Junior Minister for Transport, James Lawless, praised the move, saying that the new fleet will enhance the Coast Guard’s capability to deliver a world class search and rescue service.
It’s estimated that Ireland’s search and rescue services have already saved the lives of 300 people so far this year.
