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.

The decision has angered local political representatives as well as fishermen, who say it could put lives at risk.

"We all appreciate the severe financial constraints on the public purse, but the proposal to downgrade the south-east from 2012 is literally a matter of life and death for fishermen and sea-users of all kinds." said Lorcán Ó Cinéide, chairman of the Federation of Irish Fisherman (FIF).

"Not only is the southeast a major location for fishing activity for Irish and indeed French and UK fishermen but it is also contains one of the most important sea-ferry and merchant shipping routes between Ireland and the UK and France," Mr Ó Cinéide added.

"It is essential that the 24 hour cover be maintained in all areas in order to be able to respond quickly to emergencies".

The FIF said it was seeking an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to discuss the issue.