Islanders fear for lives over plan to privatise air search and rescue operations
Some helicopter “mercy missions” to the island are in doubt following plans to privatise the service on the west coast.
Up to now these rescues have been carried out by the Air Corps.
The Department of the Marine confirmed the service has been contracted to the Canadian Helicopter Corporation (CHC).
Mayo TD Michael Ring is worried the change will mean there is a reduction in helicopter trips to the mainland.
“I am worried for the safety of people on the islands. The Air Corps worked very well, and it should be kept,” Mr Ring said.
“This service was available 24 hours a day without any cost to those who availed of it and the Air Corps was ready and willing to respond to every call.”
Mr Ring also wants to know who will decide on what rescue missions are provided.
“It has not yet been clarified by Defence Minister Michael Smith if there will be a charge for the service provided by private operators,” he said.
Manager of the Clare Island Development Company Donal O’Shea is also worried about the change.
He said the services have already been scaled down, even though the Air Corps is still running it.
“There was a time when you could book a mercy flight to take a senior citizen who couldn’t travel by sea to the mainland for medical tests,” he said.
“In the last year, islanders have been told such mercy missions will not be flown unless it’s an emergency.”
The Department of the Marine has not revealed details of the planned CHC helicopter service.
CHC already carries out search and rescues for the Irish Coastguard in the east and south-east.
