Waterford now looks likely to hang on to its Rescue 117 base.
Reports abound this morning that a Cabinet meeting today has confirmed the upcoming tender for the contract will specify four bases be kept.
As it stands the bases are in Waterford, Sligo, Shannon, and Dublin.
Concerns were raised that Waterford could lose out when the initial tender documents outlined a minimum of just three bases.
Last week, the Transport Minister, Éamonn Ryan, had intimated that Waterford would be included but he would not guarantee it.
However, speaking to Déise Today this morning, Senator John Cummins said, "I understand, my government colleagues have approved at Cabinet this morning the inclusion of four specified bases in the upcoming tender that's going to be issued for the Search and Rescue services to the pre-qualified applicants.
"They will be the four existing bases of Waterford, Sligo, Shannon, and Dublin."
Continuing, he acknowledged the contribution of his political colleagues in the South East:
"I want to acknowledge the united front that all of the South East Oireachtas members presented last week in a meeting in relation to this issue. This clarification that has been issued this morning by Cabinet is the first time that there will be four specified bases in the tender document."
Waterford Green Party TD, Marc Ó Cathasaigh says he shares the understanding of Senator Cummins and has welcomed the move:
"I think it's very good news and I understand Minister Ryan will be on [Déise Today] tomorrow and he will be able to set it out in more detail whatever the outcome of the Cabinet discussions are.
"... It's my understanding that we're going to have a very positive outcome for the South East... I think the show of unity and clarity of purpose from all the Oireachtas members in the region has been very important."
An official announcement on the matter is expected to be made later today.
