Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this issue again. I know that she has raised it before. The Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, has raised with me as well. Sligo Airport is a licensed European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, aerodrome. It was directed in 2019 by the Irish Aviation Authority to upgrade the aerodrome. This would allow it to update to air and navigation safety standards. The mandatory works required include groundworks in the runway and safety areas, moving of runway thresholds, extensive runway lighting works and the completion of a new set of runway markings, together with all associated works and regulatory paperwork. I emphasise that the search and rescue service in Sligo is protected and is not under threat in any way. Discussions are now under way with CHC Ireland on project costs that relate specifically to the continued operation of the search and rescue base there. It should be said that this is a matter for CHC Ireland and Sligo Airport, under their own commercial arrangements, with regard to any additional costs involved. However, for its part, the Coast Guard, which of course is under the aegis of Department of Transport, is in contact with CHC Ireland to determine whether and what element of the costs can be charged under its contractual arrangements, with the view to ensuring a continued service and delivering optimal value for money. The Department of Transport has urged both sides to bring the matter to a conclusion. I am told that it is envisaged that the matter will be resolved shortly.

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