Minister: State budget provides for €11.2 million for aerial firefighting means

08:06 - 27 November 2023

Economy Reporter

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Petros Xenophontos has said that the 2024 state budget provides for €11.2 million for leasing/purchasing two firefighting helicopters as well as for leasing/purchasing the services of four firefighting planes.

Speaking on 26 November at an event highlighting the benefits of the trees, the Minister noted that the budget also provides for leasing/purchasing services of a coordination aircraft along with the necessary personnel for a period of six months in 2024, with an option for extending this for 2025 and 2026 as well.

Xenophontos said that the state budget for 2024 also provides for €9,750,993 aimed for projects included in the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility

The Minister explained that these funds aim to meet the needs of the Department of Forests, so that it is capable of doing, in the best possible way its job, which is becoming even more difficult, especially in the summer months.

He added that with these funds the government aims to modernise both the firefighting means on the ground as well as the aerial means.

The government, he stressed, will continue to strengthen the Department of Forests both as regards human resources as well as ground and aerial means, so that the Department can plan ahead and address the challenges with more confidence and above all with efficiency.

(Source: CNA)

Minister: State budget provides for €11.2 million for aerial firefighting means

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