Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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263. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the search and rescue helicopter is now based out of Weston Airport; if so, the reason it is not based out of Baldonnell Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54859/25]

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

The question has been accepted by my Department on transfer from the Department of Defence.

Coast Guard 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.

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 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.

Third party use of the Air Corps base at Casement Aerodrome was not considered appropriate use of Defence Forces property, given their specific security, operational and aviation infrastructural requirements.