An Garda Síochána allocated €21.5 million to procure new helicopter and fixed-wing plane

The Irish Minister for Justice, Simon Harris TD, has announced an additional capital allocation of €21.5 million to support significant investment in a replacement helicopter and fixed-wing plane for An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force).

Funding will be provided this year to procure a longer range and high-capacity utility helicopter, equipped with Garda mission equipment. It will also support the deployment of the Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Units where necessary, as well as policing operations.

A fully equipped plane will have the required reliability and enhanced capabilities to support policing, security and surveillance operations.

Minister Harris said: “The Garda Air Support Unit does vital work to combat criminal activity and protect the public. This new, state-of-the-art plane and helicopter will significantly boost the State’s aerial support and ability to uphold national security.

“The allocation of this additional funding is further evidence of the government’s commitment to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to keep us safe.

“It’s vital our Gardaí have the resources they need to tackle serious and organised crime, police our borders, investigate potential threats, increase their surveillance capacity and rapidly deploy specialist units, such as the Emergency Response Unit and the Armed Support Unit, across the State.”

The purchase of the aircraft will be funded by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The helicopter is expected to be operational in 2023 and the plane in 2024.