A newly installed helipad at Bellavaum on Inishturk Island, County Mayo, which will provide a crucial platform for the Irish Coast Guard and other services has officially been opened.

Cunningham Civil and Marine were the main contractors for the construction of the helipad, whilst the design consultant for the project was Langan Consulting Engineers.

The helipad has three sections:

• A five-metre-wide safety area on the western side of the helipad periphery;

• A final approach and take off area comprising of a hard standing which is 23.5m wide and surface dressed with chippings; and

• A touchdown and lift off area in the centre of the helipad comprising of a circular concrete-reinforced pad with diameter of 22.5m and ground lighting in the concrete pad to assist take off and landing.

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The total investment to deliver the helipad on Inishturk Island was over €730,000 with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht providing €536,413.81 and Mayo County Council providing match funding.

Since completion the helipad has already been used several times by the Irish Coast Guard and will provide and enhanced evacuation serviced to the island for many years to come.

At the official opening of the helipad, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht & Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, said: "The installation of this infrastructure offers peace of mind to residents and reassures them that, in times of need or emergency, the Irish Coast Guard or other services have a safe and accessible landing zone. I hope, however, that its use for emergency situations is rarely required.

"I'm delighted that my department was able to fund this project with over €500,000 of an investment and I want to thank Mayo County Council, the local community and all involved in ensuring delivery of this project."