Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
713. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Garda authorities expect to receive the new helicopters and aircraft for Garda Air Support Unit before the end of 2025; and if not, when the new aircrafts will be received. [71764/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Air Support Unit is a national unit based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin.
There are currently two helicopters attached to the Garda aircraft fleet, a Eurocopter EC135 T2 and a EC135 T2+ which were delivered in 2001 and 2007 respectively.
The Government is investing over €50m in new state of the art aircraft to the Garda Air Support Unit. As part of this investment, An Garda Síochána has, this week, taken delivery of a new fixed wing aircraft. The aircraft will be operational in the first half of 2026.
The Garda Air Support Unit continue to liaise with the manufacturer in respect of the rotary aircraft with the first new helicopter due to be delivered in Q1 2026 and a further new helicopter in late 2026.
The Garda Air Support Unit is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. It provides a 24-hour proactive and reactive service in support of operational Gardaí on the ground and specialist units.
