Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
448. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated final cost of the current search and rescue helicopter contract; the proposed value of the new search and rescue helicopter contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20776/21]
View answerFollowing a competitive tender process, a contract agreement for search and rescue helicopters was signed between the then Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland DAC. ?The contract commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years, with an option to extend for up to a further 3 years.
The annual cost of the contract is €57m approximately but this can vary from one year to the next. This figure includes overheads - running the bases, paying the staff, maintenance of the helicopters, fuel, etc. There is no budget allocation set for the new contract as this would be premature. This can only be determined through the Public Spending Code process, which includes a detailed business case which will go to Government in due course. Based on that and the outcome of the tendering process, a budget requirement will be determined.
The current status of the procurement process can be referenced in the Published eTenders update on eTenders and our SAR Webpage
