New contract for Waterford Search and Rescue officially launched

The official reign of Bristow’s Search and Rescue operations at Waterford Airport began on Thursday, April 16, with Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney attending the launch.

The new contract sees a change of operators from CHC Ireland to Bristow Ireland, with an €800 million deal providing six purpose-built AW189 helicopters across four Irish airports.

The transition was welcomed with open arms, having been preceded by years of anxiety-stricken debate on whether Waterford would maintain its Search and Rescue operations.

In 2022, a contract for a new Coast Guard operator was tendered by the Government.

The tender stated that there would be a ‘minimum requirement’ to provide three helicopters - prompting fears that Search and Rescue operations would evaporate from Waterford Airport.

Petitions, protests in Dáil chambers and Oireachtas hearings were held to ensure the service stayed in Waterford and the South East.

“This is what I would describe as a very momentous occasion for Search and Rescue in Ireland,” said Minister Canney.

“The new contract provides a range of service enhancements compared to the previous service contract, and will provide a step change in capacity and capability for the Coast Guard long into the future.

“The new modernised aviation service forms an intrinsic part of the ongoing transformation of the Coast Guard. Up to the end of quarter one of this year, Bristow Ireland has conducted a total of 531 missions that included two medical evacuations of ranges in excess of 150 miles off the South West coast.

“The addition of the fixed-wing aircraft significantly enhances Coast Guard capability.” 

Minister Canney said the contract’s tendering process represented significant value for money and was delivered on time and below budget.

Members involved with the Search and Rescue operations said the new helicopters would be a smaller, but more powerful alternative to the previous Sikorsky S-92 helicopter operated by CHI.

Dáithí Phelan began volunteering with the Tramore Coast Guard after he was struck by a personal tragedy 19 years ago.

“That kind of made me think to give back to the community and make a difference, making a bit of difference to someone that's in need.

“Every job is different, you could be looking for a lost child on the beach or another job to rescue the dog.

“And to have this within 15 minutes, maybe 10 minutes, depending on the time, and to have that in the sky overhead on standby and waiting to assist, if needs be, is absolutely fantastic.” 

Mr Phelan touched on the mutual understanding of the symbolism of Rescue 117 - if onlookers see or hear the helicopter from above, they know someone is in trouble.

Mr Phelan said with the transition of contractors, Waterford locals will likely see and hear the service more often, with pilots undertaking training at night in efforts to muster control of the new helicopter.

Upon the launch, members of the Coast Guard performed drills and a flyover from a fixed-wing aircraft. 

Waterford Minister of State John Cummins paid tribute to members of the service "who give everything to keep us all safe, 24/7 – 365 days a year.

"There is a fantastic legacy of staff who have served with great distinction for many years, and I have no doubt that these highly skilled personnel will continue the great and crucial work that they have rightly become renowned for under the guidance of the new operator."