Concerns mount over €816m Irish Coast Guard aviation contract

A high-profile group is urging the Irish government to re-open the €816 million aviation tender for the Coast Guard, warning that the current contract with Bristow Ireland risks operational capability and safety.

The group—which includes hotelier John Fitzpatrick, former Aran Islands GP Marion Broderick, and several public figures—flagged serious concerns in a letter to the Minister for Transport. They allege contract breaches, question procurement transparency, and cite ongoing capability shortfalls during the transition to Bristow, whose Leonardo AW189 helicopters offer less capacity than their predecessors.

Of particular note for transport leaders is the claim that Bristow won the bid despite lacking key aviation authority approvals and being €60 million more expensive than its rival. The transition has already sparked concerns from healthcare professionals and flight crews.

Read the full article to unpack the tender’s wider impact on aviation oversight and operational risk.