Cork emergency helicopter base gets green light for expansion

Planning permission has been granted for enhancements to the airfield used by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service air ambulance (HEMS) in Rathcool in north Cork.

It will facilitate the construction of a helipad, the extension of the runway, and upgrades to hard-surface infrastructure.

Upgrades to the taxiway, helipad, and hangar will help the HSE’s air ambulance helicopter operations to better service their large catchment area, covering all of Munster, as well as south Leinster and south Connaught.

The current runway surface at Rathcool airfield is grass, which can present operational challenges during the winter months.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The granting of planning permission by Cork County Council will help recover valuable operational days that are currently lost when the helicopter is unable to return to base at night.

“Up to now, when aircrew and medical teams have been stranded away from base overnight, the knock-on effect has been restrictions on crew duty hours the following day.”

Until 2018, the airfield was used solely for recreational flying and was home to the Rathcool Flying Club, before it was chosen for the Irish Community Air Ambulance base.

It initially relied on the generosity of the local community and the dedication of volunteers.

Over the years, the helicopter has responded to more than 4,000 missions, and it is estimated that it may have saved up to 500 lives since its inception.

Since 2022, the service has been fully integrated into the national healthcare system, with the HSE assuming responsibility for its operation.

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly said: “The local community, Cork County Council, Irish Aviation Authority, councillors, and public representatives across North Cork should be commended for their extraordinary and overwhelming support.

“I am delighted to learn that Rathcool Aerodrome has received planning permission from Cork County Council for site improvements and facility upgrades which will greatly improve the HSE-funded emergency medical helicopter service operations for the Munster region.

Newly-elected county mayor and Kiskeam-based councillor Bernard Moynihan added: “This planning approval is fantastic news for Duhallow and all of southern Ireland. It will allow helicopters to land at night due to a new runway and lighting.”