The work-up, training and familiarisation period for the introduction into service of the EC 135 has been completed and the aircraft is now fully operational. The EC 135 is a welcome addition to the Garda air support unit, GASU, which also comprises one twin-engined AS355N Squirrel helicopter and one Defender 4000 fixed-wing aircraft. With the introduction of the EC135, the Air Corps assumes responsibility for the flying of this aircraft, while the maintenance is contracted out. However, the Air Corps will continue to be responsible for all matters relating to the flying and maintenance of the existing aircraft.
The issue of night flying capacity has been the subject of ongoing communication between the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. There are no restrictions on the Garda helicopter for night operations in the greater Dublin area, where the greatest number of night call-outs has occurred. Cover is also provided on request in urban areas outside Dublin. Recent operations in this regard include missions in Killarney, Shannon and Galway. The demand for night time air support in non-urban rural areas is relatively small. That said, it is obviously desirable that the facility for air support in such areas would be available should it be required, while having regard to the absolute priority of the safe operation of the aircraft. The Air Corps is continuing to develop its night time flying capability within the available GASU resources and in this regard an ongoing training programme for night operations is being developed following on from the recent introduction into service of the new EC 135.