Minister of State Sean Canney T.D., with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, has officially launched the Coast Guard’s new aviation service, a landmark enhancement to national search and rescue (SAR) and maritime environmental monitoring capabilities.
The new aviation service, operated by Bristow Ireland under a 10-year contract includes six purpose-built AW189 helicopters based at Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Shannon. For the first time, the Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft, also based at Shannon. This fleet will work as an integrated aviation service, enhancing the overall capability of Coast Guard services to the public.
Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22
“This is a pivotal moment for Ireland’s maritime safety and environmental stewardship,” said Minister Canney. “The Coast Guard is one of the four principal emergency services, and this expanded helicopter fleet, and the introduction of fixed-wing operations means the organisation is better equipped than ever to deliver enhanced inland, coastal and offshore search and rescue services as well as provision of 24/7 aeromedical support to HSE and our offshore island communities.”
Minister Canney added: “For the first time, the Coast Guard has a dedicated fixed wing aircraft which will enable it meet international obligations in proactive maritime environmental monitoring and pollution investigation, enhancing our overall awareness of any threats to our maritime environment, covering an area of 132,000 square miles.”
Bristow Ireland commenced SAR helicopter operations from Shannon in December 2024 utilising newly built AW189 helicopters, followed by the introduction of the fixed wing service in May of this year. In July 2025, the Dublin-based service commenced operations from Weston Airport which signified the end of 27 years of Coast Guard helicopter services operating out of Dublin Airport. The other two bases in Waterford and Sligo will transition over the coming months.
