Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that people power forced the government into a U-turn, ensuring Waterford Airport will retain its emergency Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter base under the new ten-year contract. 13,085 people signed a petition calling for the service to be retained in Waterford, sparking a cross-party political campaign involving Councillors, Senators and TDs.
McGuinness said:
“Pre-tender documents released by Minister Eamon Ryan’s department in late 2021 sought to reduce the state’s SAR stations by one, creating deep concern that Waterford would be closed under the new contract and sparking outrage across the South East.
“Rescue personnel, mariners, and public representatives across all parties were deeply worried about the future of the services, especially given the previous moves to downgrade the service in 2010 when Eamon Ryan’s party was last in Government.”
“This could not be allowed to happen. W should not accept our coastal communities being left without a dedicated full-time Air Sea Rescue service. The South and South East coasts host some of the world’s busiest shipping routes. We have a significant fishing industries all along our coastline. There has never been more leisure and sports activity on our beaches and inshore waters. Rescue 117 has never been busier or more necessary.
“The crew of Rescue 117 provide a round-the-clock Air Sea Rescue service from their base at Waterford Airport. This vital emergency service covers the South and South East coasts. Rescue 117 also assists other emergency services such as ambulance and mountain rescue.
“I was involved in setting up a petition to the Minister calling for Waterford to be retained as a base, which ultimately garners over 13,000 signatures. Sinn Féin introduced an emergency motion to Waterford City and County Council, which won cross party support and heaped additional pressure on the Minister. Councillors from all parties and none signalled their concern and backed the motion.
“My colleague David Cullinane convened an unprecedented meeting of TDs and Senators from across the South East, including members from Government parties. Put quite simply people power but tremendous political pressure on Minister Ryan and his officials to do the right thing. People power saved Rescue 117.
“I want to thank everyone that signed and shared the petition – we made impossible for the Minister to ignore us.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 