Fishermen tonight welcomed the Government’s decision to re-think the downgrading of a coastguard helicopter service.
Campaigners warned of tragedies at sea earlier this month after the Department of Transport announced cost-saving plans to reduce the Waterford search and rescue base to a daylight operation.
But the department has now revealed it is considering a new contract which would allow for a
round-the-clock service to continue at all four bases across the country.
"Our post-tender negotiations with the preferred bidder which commenced yesterday have shown that we can achieve a major reduction in the cost difference between a full 24-hour service at four bases and the alternative option which would reduce cover at one of the bases to 12 hours," Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said.
"Under procurement rules, we must now inform the tendering companies of this development, and
negotiation of the details of the contract will recommence in approximately two weeks' time." The Irish
Fishermen's Organisation (IFO) said it was optimistic about the apparent U-turn.
"Talk of reducing the service has been a big concern for fishermen and for people involved in any kind of marine activity over the past few weeks," IFO chairman Ebbie Sheehan said.
"If they've changed their mind it would be very welcome. It would mean piece of mind for the people going to sea and their relatives left on the shore."
Mr Dempsey said no further information would be released until a contract had been concluded with the unnamed preferred bidder.
Successful conclusion of the new contract would mean it coming into effect on a staggered basis from mid-2012 for a fleet of helicopters, with one constantly at readiness at each base in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford over ten years.
PA