Decision due next month on planning for Cork air ambulance base

A decision from Cork County Council on planning permission for the modernisation of facilities at the North Cork air ambulance base is due in the next few weeks.

The application seeks the overhaul, renovation and reconstruction of the existing facility at Knockcahill, Rathcool, near Mallow.

A decision is due to be made on the application by Cork County Council on April 9.

The proposal includes the construction of a hard surfaced runway of 740m in length and taxiway of 147.6m in length, with associated ground level lighting.

The plans propose the demolition of the existing operations building and paramedic base to the east of the site and the construction of a new operations and paramedic base to the west.

Also included under the plans is the demolition of an existing helipad to the east of the site and construction of a new helipad to the west, all associated with the HSE Air Ambulance.

The development is also to be served by a new proprietary waste water treatment system.

Cork North Central Labour Party TD Eoghan Kenny told The Echo the new facility would be of huge benefit to all.

“It is extremely important that this planning permission is followed through on.

“It is vital we have the best healthcare services available in Cork and this is another step towards it.”

Mallow based Fine Gael councillor Tony O’Shea said that the proposed North Cork Air Ambulance base is “a vital development for emergency services in the region”.