Replacement hangar earmarked for air ambulance in Athlone

The Department of Defence is seeking a contractor to put in place a replacement hangar for the Emergency Aermedical Service (EAS) which is better known as the air ambulance in Athlone.

The recently-published tender notice covers the design, supply and erection of a new re-deployable hangar system for the EAS based in Custume Barracks.

A hangar is generally a very large building for housing aircraft, and this design/build contract would cover a phasing of works over a year-long period.

The EAS has been located in Athlone since 2012 and at a 10th anniversary celebration last year in Baldonnel, Brigadier General O’Connor attributed the success of the project to the entire team who operate the service, comprising personnel from the Defence Forces, Air Corps and National Ambulance Service.

Phase one of the project would comprise of a design of redeployable insulated all weather hangar structure, while in phase two, work would be undertaken on the construction of hardstanding area and associated works needed for the new hangar structure.

The final phase will take in the delivery lead time and installation, according to the tender documents.

Over the past ten years, the EAS has responded to over 5,000 tasks and has airlifted 3,500 patients from all over Ireland from its base in Custume Barracks, where it has been operating since its inception. The EAS crew on board the Air Corps 112 helicopter comprises five Air Corps personnel (two pilots, one crew and two technicians) and one National Ambulance Service Advanced Paramedic.

The closing date for tenders for the hangar project is April 14.