Independent Dail Deputy Denis Naughten has called on the Government to ensure that Air Corps support for the Athlone-based air ambulance continues into the future.
The TD says the Department of Defence seems to be reluctant to back such a move.
Defence Minister Simon Coveney says it’s been agreed in principle that the pilot project will be retained permanently and a working group will report back shortly on the various options available.
The air ambulance service, which has been in operation at Custume Barracks since 2012, answered more than 500 call-outs last year.
Deputy Naughten says it’s vital that the Air Corps continues to provide the helicopter and the personnel to fly and maintain it.
