The new Garda Air Support Unit will provide additional search, surveillance and assistance to police operations
Two aircraft, a helicopter and a fixed wing plane, both equipped with the latest technology, will give the Garda Air Support Unit a 24 hour, all-weather flight capability.
Squirrel helicopter with its onboard video camera, night sound searchlight and thermal imaging equipment has already been involved in a number of operations giving cover and support to Gardaí on the ground.
Supt Nacie Rice of the Garda Air Support Unit says that the helicopter has already been used in a major drug operation in the south of Dublin city. The helicopter makes sure there is no peripheral activity not seen by Gardaí and can advise units on the ground to move in specific directions.
The plane and helicopter will be based at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. They will be piloted by members of the Air Corps and will be manned by members of the 16 strong Garda Air Support Unit.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue TD, says that the aircraft will be used,
To assist the Gardaí in combatting all forms of crime including organised crime gangs, drug trafficking, paramilitary activity, serious mobile crime, and such crimes as joyriding.
The two aircraft cost a total of £5.5 million. Aviation specialist Paul Duffy believes this is money well spent and says that both aircraft should be a major advantage for crime fighting.
Both are an excellent choice for the Garda support unit.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 September 1997. The reporter is Tom McCaughren.
