Plans to downgrade Coastguard operations confirmed
The Department of Transport has confirmed plans to reduce the level of emergency Coastguard cover in the south-east.
The 24-hour rescue helicopter based in Waterford will soon only operate during daylight hours after a new contract was negotiated with its operators.
In a statement, the Department said the existing service will remain in place until 2012 at the earliest.
Ireland currently has four search and rescue helicopters operating 24 hours a day from Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.
Waterford-based crews have been involved in a number of high profile rescues, many of which took place at night.
For that reason, the imminent change has angered local politicians, who fear the downgrade of the service could put lives at risk.
The Department said it will not comment any further until the tender process for the national service is completed
