David Stanton
Question:40 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the current status regarding the provision of a 24 hour helicopter service for marine search and rescue coverage at Waterford Airport. [8020/99]
Written Answers. - Marine Rescue Services.
I have been assured by my colleague, the Minister for Defence that the upgrading of the Marine Emergency Service Helicopter coverage will go ahead as planned on 1 July 1999. On that date, the Air Corps Alouette 111 helicopter based at Waterford Airport is due to be replaced by an Air Corps, all-weather, 24-hour Dauphin helicopter service. This upgrading has been planned on the assumption that the Air Corps crew numbers remain stable and this by its very nature is unpredictable. However, the training by the Air Corps of Dauphin helicopter pilots and winch crews is continuing with a view to introducing the service, as planned.