Search and rescue bases at Waterford and Sligo are unavailable until 2 o'clock, unless there's a major emergency

This is the second safety stand down today, after Dublin and Shannon were taken offline from midday until 1 o'clock.

This is to facilitate meetings between the current contractor, CHC Ireland, and staff members over the transfer of the contract.

Bristow Ireland was last month awarded the service from July 2025 onward, and rescue staff are worried about their employment future.

CHC Ireland says staff must be able to do their jobs without distractions, to focus on their life-saving work.