New NI Air Ambulance Service To Be Based At Maze Long Kesh Site

The new air ambulance service for Northern Ireland is to be based at the Maze Long Kesh site in Co Antrim.

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness made the announcement.

The Ministers said: "We are delighted to make land at Maze Long Kesh available to bring this goal a step closer to reality.

"This is another example of the Executive working together to deliver results that make a real difference.

"We look forward to an accessible air ambulance service becoming operational as soon as possible to help save lives when time is critical.

"The service will play an important role as we re-shape our health service in the years ahead and will help ensure that we provide the best possible emergency care for people when speed is of the essence."

Dr John Hinds was fatally injured working as a race medic at the Skerries 100 Road Race in Dublin last year. His family and friends have been to the fore in the campaign for the air ambulance.

Speaking on behalf of the MLKDC Board, Chairman Terence Brannigan said: "I welcome the announcement by the First Minister and deputy First Minister in respect of potentially locating the air ambulance at the Maze Long Kesh Site. The Development Corporation looks forward to working with and supporting Air Ambulance NI in the future."

(CD/JP)