It's emerged that Sligo-based coast guard helicopter Rescue 118 has been forced to undertake a number of additional serious medical evacuations.
New contractor Bristow Ireland Limited took over the Shannon rescue base in early December, however, it has only been offering a daytime service.
This has resulted in Rescue 118 extending its service to cover a wider area along the west coast.
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Dónal Gilroy says the situation is adding further pressure to an already stretched service.
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