Fianna Fail councillor Eddie Mulligan is calling on all local representatives to push to retain Rescue 117 at its base in Waterford airport.

In December, the Department of Transport published a tender for a new Air Sea Rescue Service to cover three helicopter bases, instead of the current four that are in Ireland.

The contract, which Councillor Mulligan says is worth approximately €650 million, is currently with Canadian based company CRC, which operates services at Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo.  He outlined that Rescue 117 has responded to around 700 calls a year over the last ten years, which has "massive lifesaving implications." He added that the level of callouts has increased considerably in recent years, with over 900 in 2021.

Speaking on Deise Today earlier, Eddie Mulligan told Damien that the chances of R117 being retained in Waterford is 50 / 50, something he says is "not good enough."

We cannot lose the search and rescue helicopter, based here in Waterford. Not only for the development for the airport but the safety and security of everyone in the coastal communities... as someone with a background in maritime who's been involved in life-saving situations .. it's not only minutes that are vital, seconds are vital."

Eddie Mulligan is calling for further definition in tendering in terms of the services provided, as there are stipulations surrounding the helicopter response time.

Have a listen to his conversation with Damien on this issue, through the link on this podcast.

And for all Deise podcasts, click here.