Confirmation that a contract has now been signed for the operation of a second air ambulance base in Ireland – to be located in Cork – has been welcomed by Independent TD Denis Naughten.
Deputy Naughten says it will take pressure off the air ambulance which is based in Athlone.
Speaking to the Roscommon People, Deputy Naughten that he had a commitment to establish a second air ambulance covering the southern part of the country included in the Programme for Government and again incorporated into the Department of Health’s Plan for the reform of trauma services across the country.
Deputy Naughten said: “At present Ireland has one dedicated air ambulance – based at Custume Barracks in Athlone. Now, the development of a second air ambulance at Rathcoole, near Millstreet in Co. Cork, will allow the Athlone-based service to respond to more emergencies in the Midlands and West of Ireland”.
He added: “Since the current service was launched in 2012, the air ambulance in Athlone has saved countless lives. Now with a second air ambulance coming on stream, the dedicated team from the Air Corps and National Ambulance Service advance paramedics in Athlone will be in a position to respond to many more emergencies”.
