Minister of State Sean Canney has officially launched the Coast Guard's new aviation service.

The new aviation service, operated by Bristow Ireland under a 10-year contract and includes six purpose-built AW189 helicopters based at Sligo, Waterford, Dublin, and Shannon.

The Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft, also based at Shannon.

Bristow Ireland commenced SAR helicopter operations from Shannon in December 2024. Last month, the Dublin-based service commenced operations from Weston Airport

It's expected that the bases in Waterford and Sligo will transition over the coming months.

Sligo Leitrim Deputy Frank Feighan says it's vital that a base was situated in Sligo.