Perhaps I didnt explain my suggestion clearly enough...
What I'm suggesting for any potential Irish 'COASTWATCH' aircraft is planes whose primary role would be dedicated to Customs anti-drug smuggling ops off our coast (the south west coast in particular) ...with secondary roles in assisting the Coast Guard to monitor oil spills, SAR ops etc.
I'm fully aware of Air Corps CASA's, whose primary role is fisheries protection and SAR ops....and are normally operated well out to sea. They do an excellent job in their roles. I'm suggesting an aircraft like the Dornier 228 to be operated closer to shore.
I believe that we must be one of the few countries that doesnt have dedicated Customs patrol aircraft - when ironically we have one of the largest coastlines and sea areas to patrol.
Remember that the Netherlands also operate other larger aircraft (similar to the CASA) i.e. Orions.
Ireland could well be regarded as the 'gateway to Europe' when it comes to smuggled drugs shipments passing through here...imo its high time we make a better effort to try and tackle the problem.
Recall that huge drugs shipment that was discovered off the Cork coast last year (or year before?)?
That was only discovered by accident when the smugglers put diesel in the petrol powered boats.
Imagine all drugs shipments that must pass through Ireland undetected?!
