ALMOST two dozen posts could be created in the Irish Coast Guard’s search and rescue teams as part of a major €500 million deal signed by Government.

Island Oil and Gas confirmed it may consider bidding for all or part of Marathon’s gas assets off the Cork coast.

CHC Helicopter has been named by the Department of Transport as the “preferred bidder” to provide commercial search and rescue helicopter services from four bases in Ireland starting July 1, 2007.