Serious concern has been raised over how efficient the new Rescue 118 will be in catering to the North West and West coast of Ireland.

The new aircraft is unable carry stretchers on air ambulance missions while there are also questions surrounding how far it can travel out to sea when compared to the helicopter that’s currently in use.

The switchover at its base at Sligo Airport is now due to take place in December, following numerous delays.

But John McCafferty, Community Development Manager on Arranmore Island believes that it shouldn’t go ahead at all.

He says the differences between the two aircrafts are like night and day, which leads to major safety and operational fears for both island communities and fishermen: