The new Eurocopter EC135T2+ replaces the Eurocopter Ecureil AS355N Twin Squirrel helicopter which had been in operation since the formation of the Garda Air Support Unit in 1997.
The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform have formally marked the arrival of the latest addition to the Garda Air Support Unit.
The new Eurocopter EC135T2+ replaces the Eurocopter Ecureil AS355N Twin Squirrel helicopter which had been in operation since the formation of the Garda Air Support Unit in 1997.
Speaking at the launch the Commissioner said:
"The Garda Air Support Unit provides invaluable support to frontline garda activity across the board. The Unit has enhanced our capacity to investigate and prevent crime as well as improving our capability to deal with major incidents. It consistently adds value in circumstances where time is a critical factor.
As well as providing support in the fight against crime, the Garda helicopters play a key part in search and rescue operations, the monitoring of traffic, and in the policing of major events.
The work of the Garda Air Support Unit is facilitated by the excellent partnership which exists between An Garda Síochána and the Air Corps. Gardaí and Air Corps pilots have worked closely together in the eleven years that the Air Support Unit has been in operation and I want to acknowledge the contribution that the Air Corps has made to the success of the Unit."
The Commissioner continued:
"I am committed to ensuring that members of An Garda Síochána have access to the most modern police technology as they go about our core business of protecting the community.
We will continue to work to reduce crime through targeted operations and by utilising the full range of police methods and tools that are available to us. The activity of the Garda Air Support Unit continues to be an essential element in meeting our objective to ensure a safe and secure community for everyone."
Garda Press Office,
15 January 2008
