Irish Coast Guard Unveils Revolutionary Aviation Fleet with Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Irish Coast Guard launches game-changing aviation fleet with first-ever fixed-wing aircraft for enhanced rescue and monitoring.
The Irish Coast Guard has launched its most significant upgrade in decades, introducing six state-of-the-art helicopters and, for the first time ever, two fixed-wing aircraft to enhance search and rescue operations and environmental monitoring across Ireland's vast maritime territory.
Minister of State Sean Canney, who holds special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, officially launched the enhanced aviation service today, marking what he called "a pivotal moment for Ireland's maritime safety and environmental stewardship."
The new fleet, operated by Bristow Ireland under a 10-year contract, features six purpose-built AW189 helicopters stationed at Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Shannon. The service also introduces a groundbreaking 24-hour fixed-wing capability through two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft based at Shannon Airport.
Minister Canney said:
"The Coast Guard is one of the four principal emergency services, and this expanded helicopter fleet, and the introduction of fixed-wing operations means the organisation is better equipped than ever to deliver enhanced inland, coastal and offshore search and rescue services as well as provision of 24/7 aeromedical support to HSE and our offshore island communities."
The fixed-wing aircraft represent a historic first for the Coast Guard, enabling Ireland to meet international obligations in maritime environmental monitoring and pollution investigation across its 132,000 square mile maritime area.
Minister Canney added:
"For the first time, the Coast Guard has a dedicated fixed wing aircraft which will enable it meet international obligations in proactive maritime environmental monitoring and pollution investigation, enhancing our overall awareness of any threats to our maritime environment."
The rollout began with Shannon commencing SAR helicopter operations in December 2024, followed by the fixed-wing service introduction in May 2025. July saw Dublin's helicopter service relocate from Dublin Airport to Weston Airport, ending 27 years of operations at the capital's main airport.
Waterford and Sligo bases will transition to the new helicopters over the coming months, completing the nationwide upgrade. The integrated aviation service will work together to provide comprehensive coverage across Ireland's land and sea territories.
For Cork residents, the enhanced capabilities at nearby Waterford and Shannon bases mean improved response times for maritime emergencies along the county's extensive coastline, from Youghal to Bantry Bay, whilst the new fixed-wing environmental monitoring will help protect Cork's valuable fishing waters and marine ecosystems.
The fleet modernisation positions Ireland's Coast Guard amongst the most advanced maritime safety services in Europe, combining traditional helicopter rescue capabilities with cutting-edge fixed-wing surveillance technology.
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