asked the Minister for Defence whether the fishery protection vessels which are to be built for his Department will each have a helipad or helicopter landing pad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Helicopter Landing Pad.
27.
The answer to the question is in the negative.
Having regard to the immense advantages of helicopters, would not the Minister consider that the new vessels should have helicopter landing pads? These are provided on many similar vessels abroad.
The provision of these pads would necessitate a supply of fresh spring water on board for washing down because salt water would damage the helicopters. Apart from that, we believe that the helicopters can operate effectively from land bases.
Surely the Minister is aware that there is at least one vessel now sailing in Irish territorial waters which has a helicopter landing pad in operation? Would he consider arranging for the Department of Defence to keep this vessel under observation so that the valuable assistance of these pads could be given to the Army?
The Navy personnel have examined the question fully and they are satisfied that the service can be operated effectively from land bases. It is not contemplated putting helicopter pads on the vessels at the moment.
We are years behind.
28.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of helicopter landing platforms or helipads with aircraft fuel stores available for air-sea rescue operations.
Apart from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, there are seven places where helicopters can land and where there are special refuelling depots. Six of these are in military posts and the remaining one is at the Valentia Meteorological Station.
In addition, the civil airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork are frequently used for the refuelling of helicopters.
Would the Minister indicate what is the longest flight time from any of these places?
That is a separate question.
In emergency cases, helicopters can land on any level ground. Also, in emergency cases they can use almost any kind of fuel, petrol and such like.