Irish lose air-sea rescue contract

FIVE years after the State's first west coast air sea rescue unit was established at Shannon, Irish Helicopters has lost its attempt to retain the service. The Government has decided to award the new contract to a Scottish company, Bond Helicopters.

Savings made on toot of the cheaper bid by the Scottish firm will allow for improved cover on the east coast, according to the Department of the Marine. However, it is understood that Irish Helicopters' bid was not much more than the £3.2 million annual cost quoted by Bond and the company told The Irish Times last night that it was "very surprised" at the Government's decision.

The service had cost £5 million annually. An unsuccessful bid was also made by Westair Aviation and Brintel Helicopters Ltd.

The 21/2 year contract will be taken up next January, with flexibility to extend. It is understood that at least some staff currently serving with Irish Helicopters will be offered work by the new contract holder.

Bond, which set up an Irish subsidiary in May 1994 is one of the world's largest such companies, with a track record on the North Sea, and has a long term contract on the Kinsale gas field.

With more than 150 twin engined helicopters, the Aberdeen firm has worked for the British navy, the British police, the light house service, and was involved in pollution control during the Sea Empress tanker grounding off Wales earlier this year. It also provides air ambulances for health services. It flies Eurocopter, Sikorsky and Bell craft.

Irish Helicopters, which was formerly an Aer Lingus subsidiary and is now jointly owned by Bristows and Petroleum Helicopters of the US, has rescued 444 people in both Irish and British waters since its base was opened at Shannon in 1991. Yesterday a company spokeswoman said that it was "extremely disappointed" at the decision, in the light of the service provided. It has clocked up a 99.6 per cent availability record in search and rescue.

The move opens up the possibility of a separate contract being awarded for the east coast, although the Air Corps has proposed that it runs all marine rescue services. Air Corps bases at Baldonnel, Co Dublin, and Finner, Co Donegal, carried out 502 missions over the last five years, but night time availability on the east coast became an issue when a fisherman, Mr Tim my Currid (43), lost his life off Howth late last year.