
Operators are leaving the air corps for careers in the private sector.
Services like air ambulance support could be in jeopardy, due to an air traffic controller recruitment and retention crisis.
That's the warning from defence and security expert Declan Power.
The former Defence Force member says ATC operators are leaving the air corps in favour of careers in the private sector.
It comes just two months after the launch of the newly upgraded emergency helicopter service at Custume Barracks in Athlone.
One of the the short term solutions being suggested is drafting in civilian air traffic controllers.
However the Mullingar man says in the long term, the State needs to incentivise people to continue serving: