Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
782. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts in place for search and rescue helicopter services; if such contracts were put in place as a result of a competitive tendering process; the value and duration of the contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11574/17]
View answerThere is currently one contract in place and one tender process in progress which relate primarily to the search and rescue helicopter service. In July 2009 a request for tenders was issued for the provision of Search and Rescue Helicopter services for the Irish Coast Guard. On 22nd July 2010 an agreement was signed between the Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland Ltd for the supply of helicopters and fully qualified crews and personnel. CHCI provide five helicopters at four bases located in Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo. These Helicopters respond to emergencies at sea, inland waterways, offshore islands and mountains.
The helicopter service contract commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. The annual total cost for these services is in the region of €65m meaning a total for the duration of the contract of approx. €650m. An exact figure is not available as there are yearly varying factors including the number of flying hours and the cost of fuel.
The Irish Coast Guard has also contracted external aviation expertise to advise on certain aspects of the management of the helicopter contract. Following a Request for Tender process in October 2011, an agreement was signed with aviation consultancy firm Consultavia. The average cost of this contract has been approx €33k per year over the past five years. This contract expired in December 2016 and a new Request for Tender process is currently underway with a deadline for applications of 24 March 2017.
