Shelving of new helicopter system at Sligo base 'right call'

A decision to postpone the start of a new Search and Rescue helicopter operating system at the Strandhill base has been deemed the right call.Bristow had been due to take over from previous contractor CHC Ireland at the Sligo base on Friday last.However following safety concerns about the timing of the transition between two different contractors, the Irish Coastguard has shelved the new system until the end of April.Meanwhile, it emerged last week that Sligo-based coast guard helicopter Rescue 118 has been undertaking a number of additional serious medical evacuations because the base has only been offering a daytime service.Local Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Gilroy says that element is seriously concerning: