Minister of State Sean Canney Launches New Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service at Waterford Airport
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 16 April 2026
- Last updated on: 16 April 2026
Minister of State Sean Canney T.D., with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, today officially launched the Irish Coast Guard’s enhanced aviation service at Waterford Airport. This event follows Government approving 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 which will work as an integrated service to enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to deliver maritime and inland Search and Rescue, environmental monitoring , aeromedical support to the offshore islands as well as other aviation support to other State entities, including the National Ambulance Service and inland Search And Rescue support to An Garda Síochána.
“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.
The impact of this new contract is already being felt. Since the commencement of services 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. Additionally, the fixed-wing aircraft has been tasked for over 110 missions since it commenced operations in August 2025.”
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney
The provision of six helicopters, five of which 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 importantly, a maritime environmental monitoring role.
“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.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney
“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.”
Director of Bristow Ireland, Philip Bartlett
Note
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. This final cost comes in slightly below the original estimate set out during the early appraisal stage.