There are concerns that acute staff shortages in the Air Corps could ground its fleet, with serious implications for rescue, medical, and policing services.
The Irish Times reports that the Defence Forces are facing a severe shortage of air traffic controllers, resulting in reduced flight operations at Air Corps headquarters in Dublin.
The report states that from June 7th, the Air Corps may be forced to switch to a five-day, daytime-only flying schedule, putting Garda helicopters and medical evacuations particularly at risk.
Efforts are underway to train new air traffic controllers, but the system currently lacks instructors and adequately trained personnel.
A volunteer with the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT), Gerry Christie said they primarily work with the Coast Guard and are therefore unlikely to be seriously affected:
