Coastguard service’s future in doubt as airport to cut jobs

THE future of an improved coast-guard service has been thrown into doubt as a busy regional airport prepares to axe more than 20 jobs.

The board of the South East Regional Airport at Waterford issued protective notice to its 22 employees due to the airport’s uncertain financial future. The airport has been hard-hit by Euroceltic Airways’ decision to withdraw its services from Waterford with effect from January 26, 2003.

The helicopter search and rescue service operated from the airport on behalf of the Irish Coast-guard is in doubt due to a lack of funding to provide back-up staff and services.