Filenews 30 November 2021 - by Angelos Nikolaou
North of the Troodos mountain range, at the base of the Solea and Marathasa Valleys, the creation of a heliport in the community of Linos is being promoted, which will contribute to the effective and timely coverage of the area in emergency cases, both for air firefighting purposes and for search and rescue purposes.
The location of the construction of the project is of strategic importance due to its proximity to the massif and forests of Pafos and Troodos, as well as the distance from the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the British Base of Akrotiri, which act as refuelling bases for helicopters in the event of exceptional events.
The cost of the project is estimated at €1,500,000 + VAT, and the works are expected to be completed one year after the start of the works.
Already, on the initiative of the Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities, the area in the community of Linos has been identified and in cooperation with all the competent bodies, a relevant information report has been prepared and submitted by the Police to the Environmental Authority for examination.
The helipad in Linos will be used by the helicopters of the Republic for the needs of the Police, the Fire Brigade, the Department of Forests and other Services. It will be constructed in an area independent of other use, will be fenced and easily accessible from the road Atsa – Kalopanayioti. Specifically, it will be built in the industrial zone of Linos. It will occupy an area of 11,000 square meters, and will include a helicopter landing and take-off area, two other parking lots and small-scale building facilities for staff rest.
It will be used by Police helicopters for the needs of the Morphou Police Department, as well as the Fire Brigade, the Department of Forests and other Services and Forces, if required, for firefighting purposes and search and rescue operations, mainly in the Troodos area. It will be used in emergency situations and periodically in readiness exercises of these Services.
In the area there will be the possibility of refuelling the helicopters for faster response and reduction of the time of air-keeping rescued people. The refuelling will be done with tankers, in accordance with the applicable protocols and safety regulations. It will also be possible to use it during the evening hours. The lighting will not be permanent, but will be activated by helicopters during landing.
In addition, it is noted that in January 2013, the Community Council of Linos submitted a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Proposed Industrial Area of the Community of Linos and a relevant opinion was issued by the Environmental Authority. The proposed helipad occupies part of the area of the then proposed industrial area. It is a barren area occupied by the southeastern part of the defined urban zone.
