Tánaiste officially opens new Emergency Aeromedical Service helicopter hangar in Athlone
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 11 April 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, today (11 April) officially opened the new €1.4 million helicopter hangar for the Athlone-based Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), which is operated by the Air Corps.
The service, which has been in operation since 2012, is based at Custume Barracks, Athlone.
Since its introduction, the EAS has completed more than 4,300 missions throughout the country, many of which have saved lives.
Speaking at the official opening of the new hangar, the Tánaiste said:
“This is a remarkable day for the EAS service as we officially open the new €1.4 million hangar facility. This facility will allow our Air Corps technicians to carry out the necessary inspections and safety works to ensure that aircraft can be deployed on essential missions.
“I greatly appreciate the crucial role that this service plays in providing rapid medical response to critical situations, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
“The service ensures that residents of this part of the country have access to fast, life-saving medical attention, often at a time when urgent medical intervention can make the difference between life and death.”
The Tánaiste added:
“This investment today, in my view, exemplifies the government’s commitment to improving emergency care throughout the country. Each mission represents a direct intervention to safeguard someone's health, often reaching critically ill or injured patients, where time is paramount for survival and recovery. >The Air Corps' involvement is fundamental to achieving these positive health outcomes and, as Minister for Defence, I wish to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the people involved in providing this service. Your contribution to this service, and above all to patient care, is nothing short of exemplary."
The Tánaiste concluded:
"The new upgraded hangar supports the highest aviation safety and reliability standards and reflects the government’s commitment both to enhance and modernise Defence Forces infrastructure right across the country and ensure the safe transport and in-flight care of vulnerable patients during potentially traumatic moments."
The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said that:
“today marks another important milestone in the advancement of the Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), which is a reflection of the ongoing partnership between the Defence Forces and the HSE. Our Air Corps crews, working in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service, are proud to deliver critical, time-sensitive care to those who need it most. The success of the EAS mission is due to the skill and dedication of those who deliver it.”
Notes
The EAS has undertaken 161 missions to date in 2025.
The EAS responds to a wide variety of critical incidents across Ireland. Missions frequently involve significant trauma resulting from falls, road traffic collisions as well as medical emergencies.
The service provides rapid transport for patients of all ages, often to major trauma centres or specialist units in Dublin (Beaumont, Tallaght, and CHI Crumlin). The geographical spread covers numerous counties, demonstrating the national reach of the service.
In 2024, the service undertook missions in 25 counties, of which a third came from Counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Westmeath.