The Tánaiste has today ended any speculation over Sligo Airport being used as a Search and Rescue base by the coastguard.
Sligo Leitrim TD, Marian Harkin TD sought clarification in the Dáil earlier that the airport at Strandhill will be included as one of the bases in the new tender currently being drawn up.
The procurement process is expected to take place over the coming weeks to decide the company that will operate the service.
Initially it was feared only three bases would be retained with concern being expressed in relation to the facility at Strandhill.
Junior Minister Frank Feighan earlier this week indicated that Strandhill would be one of four bases where operations would be operating from across the Country.
Deputy Marian Harkin earlier today sought clarification in the Dáil from the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar:
In response the Tánaiste said the tender documents are currently being worked for the new contract.
He also confirmed that the search and rescue services will continue to have bases at Sligo, Waterford, Shannon and Dublin.
