Tánaiste Simon Harris officially opens €1.4m air ambulance helicoper hangar in Athlone

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris today (Friday) officially opened the new €1.4 million helicopter hangar for the Athlone-based air ambulance service, which is operated by the Air Corps.

The service, which has been in operation since 2012, is based at Custume Barracks.

Since its introduction, it has completed more than 4,300 missions throughout the country, many of which have saved lives.

Speaking at the official opening of the new hangar, the Tánaiste said:

"This is a remarkable day for the Emergency Aeromedical Service as we officially open the new €1.4 million hangar facility.

"This facility will allow our Air Corps technicians to carry out the necessary inspections and safety works to ensure that aircraft can be deployed on essential missions.

"I greatly appreciate the crucial role that this service plays in providing rapid medical response to critical situations, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

"The service ensures that residents of this part of the country have access to fast, life-saving medical attention, often at a time when urgent medical intervention can make the difference between life and death."

He added that "the new upgraded hangar supports the highest aviation safety and reliability standards and reflects the Government’s commitment both to enhance and modernise Defence Forces infrastructure right across the country and ensure the safe transport and in-flight care of vulnerable patients during potentially traumatic moments."

* For more on today's event at Custume Barracks, see next week's Westmeath Independent