Permanent hangar to be built in Athlone for air ambulance

Work on a permanent home for the air ambulance in Athlone's Custume Barracks is set to go ahead after a major funding boost.

A new hangar for Emergency Aeromedical Support Service (EAS) is to be built in Custume Barracks on foot of an estimated €2m Government investment.

The investment was jointly announced on Tuesday by local Minister Denis Naughten and Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran.

Last year, the service was made permanent, after a pilot project ongoing since 2012.

The Air Corps provide the crews to fly and maintain the Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter, which is based at Custume Barracks. The National Ambulance Service provides the onboard Advanced Paramedic.

The Emergency Service is tasked by the National Aeromedical Coordination Centre which is based in the National Emergency Operation Centre in Tallaght. The National Ambulance Service operates a permanent support team for the EAS including a dedicated air medical liaison officer, education and training officer and a number of aeromedical advanced paramedics who crew the aircraft on a rotation basis. 

The Irish Coast Guard provides back up support.