Bristow Ireland has signed a new contract with the Department of Transport to provide rotary and fixed-wing aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard. The agreement, announced in August 2023, will see six specialist AW189 helicopters operating from bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford, and Weston, delivering 24-hour, all-weather coverage nationwide.

For the first time, the service will also include a fixed-wing aircraft capability.

As part of the launch, the Irish Coast Guard has unveiled a first look at the new livery for its next-generation fleet, promising an enhanced aviation service designed to meet the evolving needs of maritime and inland search and rescue operations.

However, the move has drawn criticism from former Waterford TD and current social activist, Matt Shanahan. He claims the new service will cost up to €40 million more than the current arrangement and argues that the AW189 helicopters fall short in terms of operational endurance. According to Shanahan, the current fleet is capable of sustaining a 500-kilometre trip and spending 30 minutes on scene, whereas the new helicopters can complete a 350-mile trip but can only remain on scene for about 10 minutes.

Mr. Shanahan has warned that this reduction in on-scene endurance could impact the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out complex and prolonged rescue missions, particularly in remote or offshore locations.

The Department of Transport maintains that the new contract will deliver a modernised service designed to meet the Irish Coast Guard’s needs in the years ahead.

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