Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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290. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether, in light of significant safety and operational concerns for island communities and offshore maritime operations being raised, and the lack of consultation with island communities, medics and SAR crews, if he will reconsider the replacement of the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter with the Leonardo AW189 and retain the current helicopter on the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25419/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.

The Coast Guard Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) services are provided under contract, which is currently transitioning from CHCI to Bristow Ireland (BIL).

Provision of day and night-time aeromedical services to the offshore island communities is an integral element of the contract. This year alone the Coast Guard has conducted a total of 51 aeromedical flights to the offshore islands.

The new contract provides for six AW189 helicopters, five of which are newly built, and they have been already accepted into service by Bristow Ireland. The sixth helicopter is expected to be in service by September 2025, well ahead of completion of transition. The AW189 is an internationally proven SAR and HEMS helicopter and is also extensively used in the offshore oil and gas business. Since the commencement of the contract, the AW189 helicopter has conducted several island aeromedical transfers and has shown itself to be ideally suited to the role.

The two helicopter technical crew, also known as rear crew, are contractually obliged to be trained to a minimum of paramedic level and BIL itself has secured PHECC registration for this purpose.

I can assure the Deputy that the Coast Guard is fully committed to delivering aeromedical services to the offshore island communities, and these services are embedded in the new contract. The new contract will enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to deliver its full suite of services including day and night-time aeromedical support to the offshore islands.

My overarching priority is to continue to deliver safe, and effective contract transition without interruption to services.