There are indications that the Department of Transport is to reverse its decision not to have 24-hour helicopter search and rescue cover based at Waterford Regional airport.
A number of meetings have taken place today and yesterday between Department officials, Coast Guard officers and executives from CHC, the company which has been awarded the new 10-year contract for helicopter search and rescue operations around the country.
As a result of those meetings, Fianna Fáil deputies in Waterford and Wexford have been told that Waterford is to keep its 24-hour Coast Guard helicopter rescue service, saying that the Department of Transport has backed down in the face of intense pressure from TDs and campaign groups.
The details have yet to be announced.
Fine Gael Waterford TD John Deasy, while welcoming the news, said the information has not yet been released as to how exactly this is going to work and stressed that there must be no fudge on the issue.
He said a full 24-hour cover from Waterford was essential and said he is waiting to hear what the Department officials have to say.
The move has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil deputies Sean Connick and Brendan Kenneally.
