Future of Waterford Search and Rescue base secured after contract change

Following discussions at Cabinet on Tuesday, the new Coast Guard Search and Rescue contract will specify the need for the four current bases in Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Shannon to be retained

The R117 helicopter operates out of Waterford, and its crews had a busy year in 2021. Having typically responded to around 700 calls a year, this increased to over 900 last year. Picture: Denis Minihane

The Government will change the specifications for the new Coast Guard Search and Rescue contract, quelling doubts over the future of the Waterford R117 base.

Locals had feared it could be lost under the new contract, and said it would be “scandalous” and “shocking” if it were to happen.