The campaign for an air ambulance based in the west will get a boost today when a purpose-built American emergency medical helicopter touches down at Knock Airport.
It is the first time such a craft, designed without a tail rotor for greater safety and speed, will be seen in Ireland.
The cost of setting up a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) at Knock is estimated at £3 million. Dr Jerry Cowley, chairman of HEMS committee, said more than £6 million had been pledged to the HEMS committee by altruistic individuals, in return for Business Expansion Scheme-type tax relief.
