New Coast Guard Aviation Service Launched, Boosting Cover for Cork's Coast and Offshore Islands

The Irish Coast Guard's enhanced aviation service was officially launched at Waterford Airport on 16 April 2026, marking the completion of the nationwide transition to a modernised helicopter fleet and a new dedicated fixed-wing service. For Cork, the upgraded service strengthens search and rescue cover along the county's coastline and improves aeromedical support to its offshore island communities.

Minister of State Sean Canney TD, with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, officially launched the service. The launch follows Government approval of a Memorandum noting the successful completion of the transition to the new Bristow Ireland-operated service, which provides a modern, resilient and expanded aviation fleet for Ireland's emergency response needs.

The aviation service delivers 24/7 helicopter operations using six AW189 helicopters across four bases: Sligo, Shannon, Waterford, and Weston Airport, Dublin. The contract also includes a 24/7 dedicated fixed-wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft based in Shannon.

The integrated service is designed to deliver maritime and inland Search and Rescue, environmental monitoring, aeromedical support to the offshore islands, and aviation support to other State entities, including the National Ambulance Service and inland Search and Rescue support to An Garda Síochána.

For Cork, the Shannon base provides the closest front-line helicopter cover for the county's west coast, its fishing fleet, and its inhabited offshore islands, including Cape Clear, Sherkin, Bere, and Dursey. The new fixed-wing aircraft, also based at Shannon, add long-range reach, top-cover communications, and a dedicated environmental monitoring role for Atlantic waters off the south-west coast.

Since operations began in December 2024, over 550 helicopter missions have been completed, with two of these including long-range medical evacuations over 150 miles off the South-West Coast. The fixed-wing aircraft has been tasked for over 110 missions since it commenced operations in August 2025.

Sean Canney, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard:

"This contract is a result of a thorough and complex procurement process undertaken by my department. The procurement project was completed on time and within the estimated budget. Following contract award, the operation of the individual bases transitioned to Bristow Ireland on a phased basis and without any interruption to services."

Five of the six helicopters are newly built, and the addition of the fixed-wing service represents a significant boost to overall capability. The fixed wing provides an added dimension, including Search and Rescue coordination, the ability to deploy life rafts, top-cover communications for longer range missions, and a maritime environmental monitoring role.

Minister Canney also acknowledged the role of the Waterford base within the wider network:

"I would like to acknowledge Waterford Airport's long-standing role in supporting helicopter Search and Rescue response. The location of this helicopter base complements the Shannon and Dublin bases, as well as enabling timely response to inland areas such as the Comeragh mountains."

Philip Bartlett, Director of Bristow Ireland:

"We never underestimate the vital role Search and Rescue teams play in communities across Ireland. As we introduce new technology and new aircraft the safe transition at Waterford – and all the SAR bases in Ireland – has been the overriding priority at every step. We are proud to support the Irish Coast Guard in shaping the future of Search and Rescue in Ireland, helping deliver lifesaving support to people and communities nationwide."

The overall value of the contract, covering ten years of helicopter operations and a minimum of five years for the fixed-wing service, is €816 million including VAT. The Department of Transport has confirmed the final cost comes in slightly below the original estimate set out during the early appraisal stage.