Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider and respond to concerns around the air, sea and rescue helicopter expressed in correspondence (details supplied). [53272/25]

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

Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter services are provided under contract that is currently transitioning from CHCI to Bristow Ireland. This critical lifesaving service provides for the operation of four 24/7 SAR helicopter bases, located at Shannon, Waterford Sligo and Weston in Dublin. The new contract was awarded following a detailed and extensive procurement programme. From an aviation perspective all of the bases are regulated by the IAA and infrastructural matters fall under the gambit of the local authorities. My Department has no role in such matters.

The procurement process specified the location of each base and in the case of Dublin, intending bidders were required to base the service, at or within 25 Km of Dublin airport. I am advised that the management at Weston airport in conjunction with the various airport users has a noise abatement plan and also has established a programme of community engagement. More importantly I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Weston is proving to be well suited to enabling the Coast Guard deliver on its life saving services that includes options for safe and effective transfer of some patients or casualties, by ambulance from helicopter to Dublin area hospitals.