Fixed-wing aircraft flights at the Air Corps Baldonnel Aerodrome could be stopped for months, possibly as long as a year, because of the deteriorating condition of the runway there, it has been learned.
There is also concern about the condition of the air fleet, including the Government jet and the four remaining Dauphin helicopters that are used for search and rescue work off the east coast.
Yesterday the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) demanded that the Government make a rapid decision on its choice of new medium-lift helicopters.
The problems with the Government jet which led it to make two return landings at Baldonnel earlier this year are continuing, according to Government sources. It was again declared in unserviceable condition earlier this week on its journey to the US for the Taoiseach's meeting in Washington. Two of the Dauphin helicopters are due for complete overhaul early next year and this will seriously impair the Air Corps' ability to provide a search and rescue service, according to sources in the Corps.
A survey of the ageing runway condition, carried out earlier this year, showed it has been crumbling in parts and pools of water are gathering in depressions, causing concern about aircraft aquaplaning on take-off or landing. This has been cited as one of the reasons for the Air Corps' hesitation in flying the Garda's fixed-wing spotter plan, the Defender 4000. The RUC maintains a high level of flying hours with its Defender aircraft as do other UK and foreign police services. But the Garda aircraft has not been flown since the start of this year. There are no serviceable problems with the Defender at Baldonnel.
The Government jet, training aircraft and the CASA nautical patrol aircraft continue to use the runway at Baldonnel but these may have to be transferred to Dublin airport. The runway condition should not affect helicopters.
At the RACO annual conference in Nenagh yesterday, the association unanimously supported a motion calling for the Minister for Defence, Mr Michael Smith to make a "clear and unambiguous statement on the timeframe for the signing and implementation of the long overdue" selection of new helicopters.