CHC Ireland has commenced a High Court challenge in relation to the validity of the tender process for the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service. On 30th May the Government approved a recommendation from Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Jack Chambers to offer the next search-and-rescue contract to Bristow Ireland Limited, expected to be worth €670 million.
There have been fears about job losses among CHC staff once the contract is transferred. Each of the four Irish Coast Guard bases contracted to CHC Ireland is staffed by about 35 people, including up to nine pilots, winch crew and engineers, along with staff responsible for rosters, flight operations and engineering supervision.
CHC director of operations and accountable manager Ireland Rob Tatten said that “upon considering the outcome of the tender process as notified to CHC, CHC is concerned that there are a number of flaws in the conduct of the competition”. In a statement, Tatten said, “In view of the strict time limits in Irish law for taking steps to protect our rights we were left with no option but to initiate proceedings to challenge the outcome of the process.”
“CHC Ireland has submitted a tender which it believes is innovative and represents the best value to the taxpayer and the best outcome for the Irish Coast Guard helicopter search and rescue service,” he said. “Foremost in our thoughts are the staff who provide the service and the people who rely on it. This is consistent with our philosophy of putting people at the forefront of everything, as we have done for the past 20-plus years,” Tatten said.
The new contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. It will also include a fixed-wing aircraft for the first time. The contract is to run for 10 years in relation to the helicopter service and five for the fixed-wing element.
