The Irish Coast Guard has postponed the start of a new Search and Rescue helicopter operating system at their base in Strandhill.
It’s after safety concerns were raised about the timing of the transition between two different contractors.
Bristow had been due to take over from previous contractor CHC Ireland at the Sligo base on Friday last.
However it's now been postponed until the end of April.
Bristow Helicopters won a tendering competition in 2023 to run the rescue service in a contract that will cost around €670m over a ten year period.
The transition scheme to the new Bristow system is already behind schedule.
It emerged last week that Sligo-based coast guard helicopter Rescue 118 has been undertaking a number of additional serious medical evacuations.
Bristow Ireland Limited took over the Shannon rescue base in early December, however, it has only been offering a daytime service.
While clarity has also been sought over whether full services will be provided for Rescue 118’s Strandhill base under the new contract.
