Irish Coast Guard helicopters will be “offline” from 12 noon to 1400 hours today at all four search and rescue bases, amid concerns among its air crew about future employment.
A statement from CHC Ireland this morning said it was announcing a “safety stand down” for their four all weather search and rescue (SAR) bases in Sligo, Shannon, Dublin and Waterford from 1200 to 1400 hours today,September 8th.
“Due to increased concern for the health and wellbeing of CHC staff following the awarding of the SAR contract to Bristow Ireland Ltd, commencing in July 2025, all four bases will be offline from 12 to 2 pm today. A reduced service will be available during this time,” the statement said.
In a further statement, CHC Ireland said that its Shannon and Dublin SAR bases would be offline from 12 pm to 1 pm, and Sligo and Waterford would be offline from 1 pm until 2 pm.
"During these times, two helicopters will be online for the duration of the safety stand down," the company said.
“Lack of confirmation re continuity of employment, under TUPE Regulations, for CHC staff has led to elevated levels of stress amongst staff and therefore, the safety stand down is necessary at this time,” the statement said.
TUPE regulations relate to undertakings on transfer of employees to new employers under a 2003 EU regulation.
“ It is incumbent on us to protect the safety and wellbeing of our staff. By taking this necessary measure we can ensure that we continue to operate safely, without outside distractions and remain focused on the life-saving work we do for the Irish Coast Guard “ Rob Tatten, CHC Director of Operations and Accountable Manager Ireland, said in the statement.
CHC Ireland is currently pursuing a legal challenge, following the Minister for Transport’s decision to award a new ten-year SAR contract for the Irish Coast Guard to Bristow Ireland.