Fishermen blast downgrading of Waterford Coastguard services

The organisation representing Irish fishermen today blasted as "scandalous" plans to downgrade Coastguard helicopter services based in Waterford from a 24-hour service to a daylight-only operation.

The Department of Transport yesterday confirmed plans to reduce the service after a new contract was negotiated with its operators, but said the current provisions would remain in place until 2012.