The Minister for International and Road Transport Sean Canney has said that a solution will be brought in to enable Ireland’s new coast guard helicopters to carry out air ambulance services.
Under current regulations, the helicopters that are set to replace the Sikorsky S-92s cannot carry stretchers for Hospital Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) flights. Patients have to be transported on basket stretchers on the floor of the aircraft.
Residents of Donegal’s offshore islands have expressed fears over the impact the restrictions will have on medivacs from the islands and offshore fishing boats.
The uncertainty was raised in the Dáil yesterday by Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher yesterday, who received a response on the overall changeover from Minister of State Sean Canney.
As the operator contract change is rolled out, the Sligo-based Sikorsky S-92 helicopter is due to be switched to the Leonardo AW189 by Bristow Helicopters on 15th December.
Minister Canney said that the new contract provides improved crew accommodation facilities and enhanced mission management technology.
He told Deputy Gallagher: “This temporary HEMS stretcher restriction only applies to the Shannon base and Coast Guard continues to provide nationwide HEMS support to HSE/ NAS from its bases at Sligo, Waterford and Dublin. I understand that Bristow has identified a replacement solution and expects this issue to be resolved shortly.”
The total cost of the new contract amounts to €816 million, incl. VAT.
The new enhanced contract specification provides for the operation of six AW 189 helicopters, five of which are newly built and have already been accepted into service by Bristow, with the sixth helicopter scheduled to enter service in September 2025.
In addition, for the first time, the new contract includes a Fixed Wing element to enhance search and rescue missions.
