ASSEMBLY member Arlene Foster says she is “hopeful” that if a dedicated air ambulance service for Northern Ireland takes off it will be based in Fermanagh.

Mrs. Foster, who also serves as finance minister, met with the trustees of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Limited last week, including consultant Peter Quinn, to discuss the project.

The group has been set up to explore the possibility of establishing such a service, which is available in the rest of the United Kingdom but not in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the meeting at Stormont, Mrs. Foster said she welcomed the progress that had been made since the last meeting, held in Enniskillen, over a year ago.

“Throughout the UK this valuable service is widely available, with 26 air ambulances serving mainland Great Britain. However we have none in Northern Ireland. This needs to change. At the meeting we explored the various funding options that are available and the cocktail for funding which will be required,” she said.

It is estimated that such a service could cost in the region of £2.2 million per year.

“We are hopeful that this service can soon operate from St Angelo Airport in Enniskillen and serve all of Northern Ireland,” said Mrs. Foster.

The need for such a vital service has been brought to the fore following the tragic death of road racing doctor John Hinds, who was killed in an accident while providing medical cover at a Skerries 100 practice session earlier this month. It was Mr. Hinds’ vision to establish a first-rate trauma network with a doctor-led helicopter emergency medical service in Northern Ireland, something his family have pledged to pursue.

Alongside Mr. Quinn, brother of former businessman Sean Quinn, the three other trustees in the group include Ray Foran, chief operating officer at Noonan Group, Ian Crowe, managing director CPC Limited and Dr. Gerard O’Hare, Parker Green International.

In a joint statement, they said: “We had a very successful meeting with Arlene Foster. We will now work together to explore mixed funding models that will enable the establishment of this important service. Positive discussions have also recently taken place with Minister Hamilton, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. We trust by working together this vital tool in a emergency care will be able to become a reality for people living in Northern Ireland.

“The Trustees are very committed to the establishment of an air ambulance service that will be tasked by and compliment the excellent service provided by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.”