16 September 2004 Edition

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Air Ambulance would save lives in Border region

Sinn Féin Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew have welcomed the announcement of plans to redevelop St. Angelo Airport at Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh. The Sinn Féin representatives from neighbouring constituencies commended the two local business people who have established Enniskillen Airport Ltd. and who are planning to make the airport an important part of the infrastructure of the North-West and mid-Border area, including an air ambulance service.

In a joint statement, Ó Caoláin and Gildernew welcomed the signing of the lease for the airport this week:

"Fermanagh District Council is to be commended for seeing the potential of this airport. The Council this week signed a lease agreement with two young local businessmen who have established Enniskillen Airport Ltd. They plan to develop the airport initially as a training facility for planes and helicopters. They are examining the potential for commercial flights in the future.

"We welcome in particular Enniskillen Airport's plan to secure an air ambulance service. An air ambulance based in Enniskillen would not only benefit people in Fermanagh and South Tyrone but those in the neighbouring counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo and Leitrim. The respective Health Ministers on both sides of the Border should open dialogue immediately on the issue.

"With the numbers of people dying or seriously injured on our roads increasing all the time, this sort of service could save lives, especially with serious head injuries resulting from car accidents. Setting up an air ambulance service would be a tangible peace dividend for people on both sides of the border."


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