The transition of Ireland’s Coast Guard aviation service to Bristow Ireland Limited has taken a significant step forward according to the Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports.
Sean Canney T.D. said today that an agreement has been reached between Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) and CHC Ireland (CHCI) on the phased handover of operations at Dublin, Sligo and Waterford bases.
The transition, which has been plagued with controversy and delays, is already months behind schedule.
This phased handover will not now have been concluded by June 30th this year as originally planned after repeated delays have pushed that date back. On that date, CHC Ireland’s (CHCI) contact is due to expire however the company will remain in place and continue to provide search and rescue aviation services until at least next February, also not mentioned in the statement.
Bristow Ireland commenced operations from Shannon in December 2024, five weeks later than planned. Only since midnight on March 31st this year, has the Shannon base been able to deliver a 24/7 service, also considerably later than originally planned.
Up to then, the Sligo based Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 (still operated by CHCI) has been covering missions to the Aran Islands in place of Rescue 115. The Garda Air Support Unit was also called in to assist in a search operation in Gort earlier this year because Rescue 115 wasn’t available.
Bristow Ireland is still operating from a local hangar at Shannon while works continue on the preparation of the former CHC facility for the Rescue 115 new operation.
According to the department statement: “The new agreement ensures a safe and uninterrupted rollout of the remaining bases, with full operational capability in place by early 2026. Crucially, the revised timeline involves no additional cost to the Exchequer.
Minister Canney updated Cabinet on the agreement this week, reaffirming his commitment to a safe and effective transition: “I continue to prioritise the safe and effective transition of the aviation contract for flight crews, members of the Irish Coast Guard and the general public. I want to reassure the public that SAR (search and rescue) services will continue to operate on a 24/7 basis throughout the country during this process.”
The Minister also welcomed constructive engagement between Bristow Ireland and staff at the four Search and Rescue helicopter bases, noting that the company has worked closely with the staff and unions to ensure continuity and address concerns.
Under the Department of Transport’s new contract, Bristow Ireland will operate six AW189 helicopters from four bases, five of which are newly built and already accepted into service. For the first time, the Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed-wing aircraft service, carried out by two King Air fixed-wing aircraft, also based at Shannon, which is expected to become fully operational later this month.
The expanded aviation service will significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s capabilities, including inland and maritime search and rescue, aeromedical support for the HSE, including day and nighttime support for island communities, environmental monitoring, and new aerial firefighting capacity.
It’s now understood, although not mentioned in the statement, that the timeline for the transition of the three remaining bases has been pushed back by months into 2026.
The next base to transition will be Weston Airport (from the current CHC based at Dublin Airport) in July.
The base at Sligo, which was due to be handed over to Bristow on February 14th last, will continue to be operated by CHC Ireland until December while it will be February 2026 before the base at Waterford is finally handed over.
Meanwhile, according to the department: “The fixed wing (FW) aircraft is continuing with internal training ahead of declaring operational status, expected to be this month. Joint training between the FW and RCCs has commenced and will continue to confirm effective comms and coordination between the two.”
