New €21.5m Garda helicopter and plane to fight crime and aid searches

The Department of Justice said the €21.5m investment would provide 'a vital support' to the security of the State and support national units in the investigation of espionage, terrorism, organised crime gangs, border policing, human and drug trafficking, kidnapping and fuel smuggling.

A new Garda helicopter is being purchased and will be operational before the end of the year, according to the Department of Justice.

Some €12.5m will be spent on the acquisition, while a further €9m is being allocated for a new fixed-wing aircraft, previously announced last September in Budget 2023.