Three new state-of-the-art vehicles including a John Deere Gator have been added to the fleet at Cork Airport, as part of the site’s continued investment in its policing and safety functions.

The XUV 865M Gator utility vehicle now being used by Cork Airport Police Service

The introduction of a full-specification John Deere XUV 865M Gator utility vehicle, supplied by Killarney based dealer Seamus Weldon, will improve the ability of the Airport Police Service (APS) to patrol and respond off-road and operate on all types of terrain during severe weather conditions. Extras on the Gator include a winch, LED lights and specially for police use, a PA system and data recorder.

The other additions to the APS fleet are a Skoda Kodiaq 4x4 patrol response vehicle and a Dacia Logan dedicated safety vehicle, which has been bought to ensure continued compliance with new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.

All three vehicles have been customised to meet the operational needs of the APS and Safety Department, which are jointly responsible for policing, operational security and safety at Ireland's second busiest international airport.

Con Dooney, general manager of operations and safety at Cork Airport, said: “It is fantastic to take delivery of these three new vehicles, which will play an important role in the continued safety and security operations here at Cork Airport. This is part of our ongoing work with the EASA to ensure the airport continues to meet the highest standards of aviation safety.”

Featuring the company’s quietest ever cab and more room for driver and passengers, Deere’s new 23hp diesel Gator offers power steering, a CVT transmission and a top speed of 31mph. Capacities of the vehicle are 454kg for the cargo box, 680kg total payload and 907kg towing. It also benefits from a 42-litre fuel tank and over 90 attachments are available for year-round versatility in all conditions.