A local senator says he doesn't share the downbeat attitude in the South East regarding the future of Rescue 117.
Senator John Cummins spoke on the issue in the Seanad yesterday afternoon.
Concerns have been voiced about the potential loss of the base at Waterford Airport under a new tender process.
The Fine Gael Senator says the service in Waterford has been second to none:
"While I share the concern, I don't share the downbeat assessment that such a vital service will be lost to our region.
"I'm a former member of Waterford Airport. I know that the service that is provided by the airport to the existing contractor, CHC Ireland, is second to none. They're very happy with their base and operations at the airport.
"And great synergies have been built-up with the RNLI and the South East Mountain Rescue Association."
The tender is about to get underway and it stipulates a minimum of 3 bases around the country, rather than the current four.
This is what has given rise to fears that Waterford's base could be the most likely to go - if any go at all.
Senator Cummins says he has been engaging with the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, on the issue and he believes the base will be retained:
"The reason why I don't share the downbeat assessment is because I've engaged with government colleagues over several months on this issue and with the Tánaiste over several months.
"I've sought assurances that there would be four bases specified in the ultimate tender that is issued and I'm encouraged by the responses that I've received to-date and I know that the Tánaiste will be continuing his dialogue with other party leaders in this respect."
The tendering process is due to be completed by the 26th of January, after which the submissions will be considered by government.
