kingsardine
13th Feb 2002, 23:15
Byrne Announces New Coast Guard Helicopter Service for South-East
. .24 hour coverage to commence on 1 July 2002
. .Dublin, Wednesday, 13 February 2001. .Mr. Hugh Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, today announced the award of a 5 year contract with CHC (Ireland) Ltd to provide an “all-weather” twenty four hour marine emergency response helicopter service at Waterford. The service will be in place from 1 July 2002. In addition, CHC will provide an interim service on a twelve hours per day basis from May 1 until the start of the main contract.
Minister Byrne said “This is tremendous news for the south east region. The availability of such highly specified aircraft is vital to the Irish Coast Guard in order for them to carry out their vital function of protecting lives at sea and on our coastline.”
The new Waterford based helicopter is one of the most highly specified marine emergency helicopters in the world. Its specialised direction finding equipment and forward looking infra-red, which can detect people in the water through heat transmission makes it a truly all weather, day and night rescue facility. It carries up to 15 survivors, can transport fully equipped fire fighting crews and has up to five hours endurance in the air, a maximum range of 468 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 110 knots.
The Minister concluded “I am delighted to announce this new service for the South-East and want to wish those involved every success. I also think it is fitting at this time to remember the four gallant crewmen who tragically lost their lives in July 1999. I committed to the provision of this new service at that time and I am pleased to see it come to fruition with the award of this contract today.”
. .24 hour coverage to commence on 1 July 2002
. .Dublin, Wednesday, 13 February 2001. .Mr. Hugh Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, today announced the award of a 5 year contract with CHC (Ireland) Ltd to provide an “all-weather” twenty four hour marine emergency response helicopter service at Waterford. The service will be in place from 1 July 2002. In addition, CHC will provide an interim service on a twelve hours per day basis from May 1 until the start of the main contract.
Minister Byrne said “This is tremendous news for the south east region. The availability of such highly specified aircraft is vital to the Irish Coast Guard in order for them to carry out their vital function of protecting lives at sea and on our coastline.”
The new Waterford based helicopter is one of the most highly specified marine emergency helicopters in the world. Its specialised direction finding equipment and forward looking infra-red, which can detect people in the water through heat transmission makes it a truly all weather, day and night rescue facility. It carries up to 15 survivors, can transport fully equipped fire fighting crews and has up to five hours endurance in the air, a maximum range of 468 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 110 knots.
The Minister concluded “I am delighted to announce this new service for the South-East and want to wish those involved every success. I also think it is fitting at this time to remember the four gallant crewmen who tragically lost their lives in July 1999. I committed to the provision of this new service at that time and I am pleased to see it come to fruition with the award of this contract today.”