Irish Coast Guard Commence Operations From Weston Airport On Celbridge/Lucan Border

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 12:01

By Eoin Beatty

This signifies the end of 27 years of Coast Guard helicopter services operating out of Dublin Airport

The Irish Coast Guard has reached another important milestone in the transition of the Search and Rescue aviation contract, as Dublin-based services now provided by Bristow Ireland, commence operations from Weston Airport, on the Celbridge/Lucan border.

This signifies the end of 27 years of Coast Guard helicopter services operating out of Dublin Airport.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard Sean Canney said: “First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CHC including their flight crews and support teams, for the exceptional service they’ve provided from Dublin Airport. Their world class lifesaving operation has delivered an invaluable service to the Irish people.

The Weston base will provide Bristow Ireland with excellent facilities to enable them deliver safe and effective Coast Guard services and I wish the team every success in their new home.”

Bristow Ireland has established its headquarters at Weston and flight crews have been conducting regular training in preparation for service commencement.

Initial operations at Weston are being carried out by a Bristow transition team that previously managed the Shannon base handover.

The Dublin-based CHC staff who have transferred to Bristow Ireland have begun training on the new fleet of AW189 helicopters.

The Weston-based AW189 helicopter will continue to use the call sign rescue 116.

Bristow Ireland and CHC are continuing to work together to deliver the safe and effective transition of the two remaining bases at Sligo Airport and Waterford Airport.

More from Local News

Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news