Council calls for air ambulance

A notice of motion was brought before council on Tuesday night by Cllr James McCorkell and Cllr George Duddy.

The notice said: “That this Council recognises the requirement of an Air Ambulance for Northern Ireland and calls on all Departments within the Northern Ireland Executive to work together to provide an emergency helicopter for the Province as a matter of urgency.”

The notice of motion received the backing of the councillors and the matter will now be discussed at the next Corporate Policy and Resources meeting next month.

Speaking before the meeting the Mayor, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan passed on her condolences to the family and friends of Dr John Hinds, who passed away following an accident while providing medical cover at a Skerries 100 practice session.

During his life Dr Hinds campaigned for an air ambulance to help injured people in often remote areas to reach hospital more quickly.

Northern Ireland is the only region of the UK to not have air ambulance cover.

“I would like to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Dr John Hinds,” said Cllr Knight McQuillan.

“He saved countless lives and helped many in this borough and beyond.

“Doctor John was the first person many riders would see after having an accident, and his presence would reassure them.

“I support the calls for a permanent air ambulance service in the province.

“It would be a fantastic legacy for Dr Hynds and all the hard work he and his colleagues have put in over the years.”

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Stevenson enquires about roundabouts.

Cllr Ian Stevenson has asked Transport NI about the provision of roundabouts on to the Frocess Road.

Speaking at Tuesday’s council meeting Cllr Stevenson highlighted the problem for road users trying to get out of the Kirk Road and Dervock Road on to the Frocess.

“This has been a longstanding problem for people trying to pull out on to the bypass. Coleraine has five roundabouts but we can’t get two to help road users get on to the main road.

“If there is money available I would urge Transport NI to look at this.”

Divisional Manager, Deidre Mackle, said she would raise Cllr Stevenson’s concerns.