Vol. 530 No. 4
70 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence when the required fire safety equipment and facilities will be available at Finner Camp, County Donegal, to allow it to be used for helicopter cover on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4008/01]
76 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence when the 24 hour fire and crash rescue service will be in place for the Dauphin helicopter located at Finner Camp, County Donegal. [3909/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 76 together.
I have been advised by the military authorities that the necessary equipment and crash rescue vehicle will be available by early April 2001.
The Air Corps have been tasked to establish a crash rescue service in Finner camp and the necessary personnel have been resourced from the Western Brigade personnel, and will be trained by the Air Corps. They will thereafter be permanently located at Finner camp with the new equipment and the new fire tender.
Pending the establishment of these facilities at Finner camp, the Air Corps is currently providing 24 hour search and rescue service, using a Dauphin helicopter from Sligo Airport. It is planned that when the fire and crash rescue service is in place on a 24 hour basis the Dauphin will return to Finner camp. As previously stated, it is anticipated that this will be in place by April 2001.
