This article is from page 7 of the 2012-09-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 7 JPG
IN AN era when the HSE is relying more on air travel to attend serious emergencies in West Clare and other rural areas, concerns have been raised that one busy town is without a publicly designated helicopter pad.
The population of the seaside town of Kilkee also multiplies during the summer months, making the need for emergency access more urgent.
Mayor of the coastal town, Cllr Claire Haugh (FF) said that the need for the helicopter pad had to be a priority, especially as a support to the entire local emergency services.
Helicopter support has proven essential to voluntary organisations such as the Kilkee Marine and Rescue Service.
For many people rescued off the cliffs and in the sea, time is of the essence when it comes to accessing medical help.
Kilkee is more than 95 kilometres from the nearest Centre of Excellence at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick.
“For a coastal town like Kilkee, this is vital. We must take it on as a project for the coming year and ensure it is installed,” said Mayor Haugh. “We are now asking Clare County Council to get working on a helicopter pad in Kilkee. We have services here for emergencies yet we haven’t this necessary facility.”
Kilkee’s first citizens said that the cost of putting a helicopter pad is Kilkee is estimated at € 30,000.
“All we need to do is to find a designated area for the helicopters to land.”
She suggested that the area adjacent to the Garda Station, which had been spoken of before, would make an ideal location. “It would be just along the beach and beside the rescue centre,” she said.
The council must now contact the Department of Justice about the possible location.
“This has been in the mix for a few years. It is a very urgent thing. It is imperative we this facility fast,” said Mayor Haugh.