The Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter service in Waterford is to be cut back to a 12-hour service, the Department of Transport has confirmed.
The department said a preferred bidder has been nominated to supply the contracted helicopter service for the Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) service.
In a statement, it said there will be "no change" in the existing 24-hour service from four national centres until the new contract is brought in on a "phased basis" in 2012 to 2013.
"Thereafter, it is expected that the four existing bases will continue in operation, with Waterford on a 12-hour basis, subject to review," the statement added.
The Department of Transport said it did not propose to comment further on the contract until the tender process is completed.
Chairman of the Irish Fishermen’s Organisation Ebbie Sheehan said the decision could cost lives.
“I think it’s absolutely scandalous to think that any government would even contemplate this - it’s beyond belief. Maybe they’re going to wait for a fatality and reassess the situation. That’s fair enough but it goes to show that value it puts on fishermen’s lives.”
Fine Gael TD for Waterford John Deasy said the Department must not go through with plans to downgrade the service in the region.
He said the practical effect of reducing the service was that it would take "at least an extra 45-minute journey from Dublin to Waterford and the southeast."
"When you consider that it takes 45 minutes for a helicopter to organise and take off at night, we are looking at a delay of approximately one and a half hours or more in an emergency situation."
Mr Deasy said the Department of Transport had indicated that reducing the service from 24-hour cover to a 12-hour daylight service would save an estimated €1 million per year.
"The annual budget for the coastguard service is approximately €50 million for the entire country. For less than €1 million the Department of Transport will have jeopardised the safety of fishermen and everyone else who operate at sea, as well as those involved in leisure based activities."
Mr Deasy said the issue didn't just affect Waterford, but also the Wexford, Waterford and Cork coastlines.
"It also affects inland counties in the south east where the coastguard assists with all kinds of rescue services. I have begun to contact TDs from those counties with regard to organising opposition to this proposal that has yet to go to contract."
Waterford Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Kenneally has called on the Department of Transport to explain in detail the savings that would be made by downgrading the base in Waterford.
"Even if the €1 million saving is accurate I’m still not sure that justifies this move. What price do we put on people’s safety? Surely there are other areas of Government expenditure that would be more appropriate for a saving of this kind. I really don’t think the Government has done anything to justify making this decision and I think the Department needs to come out and explain why they are doing this," he said.
Coast Guard helicopters provide a round-the-clock maritime and coastal SAR rescue service, locating those in distress or imminent risk, providing immediate medical treatment where required, and evacuating them to an appropriate place of safety.
The helicopters also carry trained fire brigade and Health Service Executive (HSE) personnel. They provide equipment for incidents on ships at sea. Their role is also to investigate and act to mitigate marine pollution, and support communities on the islands of Ireland by evacuating the seriously ill or injured, and assisting in the event of major emergencies.
They are also available to assist the other three blue-light services (Garda, ambulance service and fire services) when needed in emergencies.