Minister accepts Waterford rescue base is a 'life and death' issue

Bid to allay fears in South East as new tender for the Irish Coast Guard's aviation service references 'a minimum' of three helicopter bases, instead of the current four

Rescue 117 has responded to around 700 calls a year over the last 10 years. Picture: John Hennessy

The minister for transport has said he does not expect Waterford to lose its search and rescue base.

Eamon Ryan said he understands the issue is "a life or death" situation for the South East, and he promised that the Government would examine the case for a helicopter base in the region in a "proper, organised" way.