€1.4m helicopter hangar for air ambulance officially opened

By Rebecca Black, PA

A new €1.4 million helicopter hangar for the air ambulance service has been officially opened.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris expressed appreciation for the “crucial role” the service has played since it was launched in 2012, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

He officially opened the new hangar for the Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), which is operated by the Air Corps, based at Custume Barracks, Athlone, on Friday morning.

The service has completed more than 4,300 missions throughout the country, many of which have saved lives.

Mr Harris said it is a “remarkable day for the EAS”.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

He said the investment “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,” he said.

“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.”

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said it was “another important milestone in the advancement of the EAS”.

“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,” he said.

“The success of the EAS mission is due to the skill and dedication of those who deliver it.”