Minister Canney Confirms Agreement on Irish Coast Guard Aviation Transition

The transition of Ireland’s Coast Guard aviation service to Bristow Ireland Limited has taken a significant step forward, with Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Sean Canney T.D. confirming that an agreement has been reached between Bristow and CHC Ireland on the phased handover of operations at Dublin, Sligo and Waterford bases.

Bristow Ireland commenced operations from Shannon in December 2024 and are now delivering a 24/7 service from the base. 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.

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.

Minister Canney updated Cabinet on the agreement this week, reaffirming his commitment to a safe and effective transition.

He 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.

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.

In August 2023, the Department of Transport signed a contract with Bristow Ireland Limited to provide for the next Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Aviation Service. These services include maritime and inland search and rescue, environmental monitoring, helicopter emergency medical support and air ambulance services, with enhanced mission control and communications systems.

Under the new contract, Bristow Ireland Limited will operate six AW189 helicopters from four dedicated bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin Weston Airport. For the first time, the Coast Guard’s aviation service will also have fixed wing aircraft capability available on 24/7 basis to support the delivery of these essential services. In an expansion to the current aviation service for the Coast Guard, two King Air fixed-wing aircraft based at Shannon Airport, will provide support for Coast Guard search & rescue operations and environmental monitoring.

Existing CHC staff have the option of transferring to Bristow Ireland, the first tranche of staff transferred in November 2024 and both Bristow and CHC are committed to supporting their continuation of engagement with staff in relation to the transition of their contracts to Bristow.