Minister defends rescue helicopter cutback

MINISTER FOR Transport Noel Dempsey was yesterday criticised after confirmation emerged last week that the 24-hour rescue helicopter based at Waterford airport could in the future operate during daylight hours only, following the negotiation of a new contract with its operators.

Such a move would save about €1 million per year, it emerged last week. However, Mr Dempsey yesterday said the plan would “improve” the service along Ireland’s coastline. He was answering questions from journalists at the opening of the Waterford to Knocktopher section of the N9 in Co Kilkenny yesterday.

Senator Paudie Coffey, one of a those protesting, said: “No one knows what time an accident or emergency will take place and it is ridiculous that this Government is once again cutting our frontline emergency services in an attempt at saving costs.”

A Facebook campaign has attracted almost 19,000 members.

The public is also being urged to sign a petition against the decision on www.petitiononline.com.

Mr Dempsey said: “What we’re doing is improving the service. The amount of money being talked about is €1 million of a saving. We’re actually increasing the amount of money on that service from approximately €27 million to €50 million. We’re buying better helicopters; we’re going to provide better coverage.”