A new €1.4 million helicopter hangar for the Athlone-based Air Ambulance, which is operated by the Air Corps, has been officially opened by Tánaiste Simon Harris.
The Air Ambulance, which is based out of Custume Barracks, provides rapid medical intervention for people in rural and isolated communities.
Missions frequently involve significant trauma resulting from falls, road traffic collisions as well as medical emergencies and has often seen patients being transferred to trauma centres or specialist units in Dublin.
Since its introduction, the service has completed more than 4,300 missions throughout the country, many of which have saved lives.
Works were carried out on the hangar in Athlone in recent months and the service moved temporarily to Dublin.
Concerns had been expressed around operational and maintenance issues including upgrades for Air Corps technicians to carry out comprehensive daily aircraft inspections.
This latest upgrade has addressed those concerns and the service resumed typical day operations at the hanger in Athlone on 18 March.
Speaking in Athlone today, Mr Harris said the investment reflected "the Government's commitment both to enhance and modernise Defence Forces infrastructure right across the country".
He said the service ensures that residents in the region have access to fast, life-saving medical attention and added that the investment exemplifies the Government's commitment to improving emergency care throughout the country.
"Each mission represents a direct intervention to safeguard someone's health, often reaching critically ill or injured patients, where time is paramount for survival and recovery," he said
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said today was an important milestone.
"Our Air Corps crews, working in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service, are proud to deliver critical, time-sensitive care to those who need it most," he said.
"The success of the EAS mission is due to the skill and dedication of those who deliver it," he added.
