Anybody attending the Galway Races earlier this month couldn't help but notice that the skies were buzzing with helicopters whisking in VIPs from various corners of the country, write Caroline Madden.
More than 700 helicopter landings were recorded over the week at the event - with 289 landings on Ladies Day alone - reflecting the fact that there are now more helicopters per capita in the Republic than in either the UK or the US.
There are 146 helicopters registered with the Irish Aviation Authority, and a further 75 are registered in the US or the UK but operate out of the Republic.
Some €55 million worth of helicopter orders have been placed since the invitation-only inaugural Irish HeliExpo event held in Punchestown, Co Kildare last June.
So who exactly is driving the demand for this eye- wateringly expensive mode of transport? Well, it seems that no self-respecting wealthy property developer would be seen dead enduring traffic jams, chaotic airports or airline strikes these days.
Helicopters are now de rigueur for conducting aerial surveys, flying from one construction site to another, and are increasingly being used by developers to pay fleeting visits to check up on UK property interests.
Not only does the Republic have one of the highest rates of helicopter ownership in the world, but enthusiasts here aren't satisfied with just any old chopper - it's got to be top of the range.
Take the Agusta 109 for example, which will set you back a cool €6 million. There are now 35 of these operating in the Republic, compared to 24 in the whole of the UK.
In fact the first European customers for the luxurious Sikorsky S74D are in the Republic, with two on order through Premier Aviation Services, although they are not due to be delivered until 2009.
The long waiting time for new helicopters combined with the increased demand has meant that the second-hand market has picked up. Not only do helicopters hold their value remarkably well but anecdotal evidence suggests that some have actually appreciated in value, selling for considerably more than their original market price after two or three years.
Many helicopter owners build a helipad near their home or place of work, although some operate out of airports. It is also understood that there are plans afoot to develop a heliport - an airport designed exclusively to deal with helicopter traffic - in the midlands.
The cost of buying a helicopter doesn't stop at the purchase price. The ongoing expenses - such as maintenance, insurance, fuel and employing a pilot - are also huge.
Therefore it is often more cost effective to avail of a helicopter escort service, as provided by firms such as Praetorian Security.
Praetorian launched this service just six weeks ago and now counts a number of wealthy barristers and publicans among its customers.
The attractions are obvious - flying from Galway to Dublin takes a mere 40 minutes and costs about €600 (plus VAT). In fact anywhere in the country can be reached within 90 minutes and Praetorian can even drop you off in your back garden if you so desire.
