TDs and Senators in the South East are joining forces to seek guarantees that a search and rescue service will be retained.
There’s been an expression of unanimous support and optimism for retaining the Rescue 117 service in Waterford.
The Oireachtas members have agreed to write to the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan to seek an urgent meeting to press their case.
Waterford TD Deputy David Cullinane said it “It is essential for the south east that the Rescue 117 Search and Rescue Service is retained in Waterford – we are asking for a guarantee that the existing four bases will be specified in the next tender phase.
At present Irelands Search and Rescue Service is provided by a Canadian firm.
The government have issued a tender for the service which refers to 3 bases suggesting a reduction of one base. Deputy Cullinane says “ it is vital that the tender contract specifies four bases and that the voice of the south east is properly heard.”
Tipperary TDs Martin Browne, Mattie McGrath and Michael Lowry and Senator Garret Ahearn are involved in the campaign to ensure there is a base in retained in Waterford.
