Billy Timmins
Question:26 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he has any concerns with regard to air-traffic safety at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell, County Dublin; and he will make a statement on the matter. [9082/01]
Other Questions. - Violations of Military Airspace.
I understand Deputy Timmins is referring to recent articles in the media which refer to violations of the military airspace over Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, County Dublin, by private light aircraft.
By way of background I should say that general air traffic can enter military restricted areas when active, by prior permission and may be subject to certain restrictions. In the case of scheduled flights, this entry is achieved by civil air traffic control making an airspace reservation to cover the period of time the aircraft will be passing through a military area. Light aircraft call on the military air traffic control frequency when they require to transit the restricted military area and generally would be facilitated with a passage through the area. However, military air traffic control can refuse clearance to these aircraft and insist they route around the restricted area. On occasions, light civil aircraft infringe military restricted areas while they are active without clearance and without making radio contact. Mili tary air traffic control prepare an infringement report on these events which are then forwarded to the Irish Aviation Authority for investigation.
I have been informed by the military authorities that a number of infringements of military airspace by private light aircraft have taken place in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome recently. This is a source of concern both to myself and the military authorities. Consequently, the Air Corps chief air traffic control officer has written to the Irish Aviation Authority on the matter, and recommended that these concerns about air flight safety be included in the current ongoing discussions between the Air Corps and the Irish Aviation Authority on airspace and related matters.
This is a serious matter. Can the Minister tell the House the number of instances in which people entered the airspace without permission? Will he indicate if persons who were refused permission still proceeded to enter the airspace? Are these people coming from the one airfield? I was surprised to discover recently that prior to the recent planning Act a person could set up a private airfield without permission. What steps has the Irish Aviation Authority taken to remove the licence from such people? If one is caught for drink driving on the road, one's licence is removed. That people may be going around in light aircraft and landing in airspace without permission is a serious matter and they should be dealt with harshly.
We have in place an Air Corp flights safety officer who deals comprehensively with this and other areas. I do not know the number of infringements but there were at least three. I undertake to have the matter further checked. The infringements are reported to the Irish Aviation Authority which has full powers to take the appropriate action. Like the Deputy, I view any of these transgressions extremely seriously.
Like Deputy Timmins I am deeply concerned about this matter. One accident would be one too many. Given the seriousness of the situation, will the Minister undertake to follow it up to the extent of advertising in the media or ensuring that warning signs are erected at the various private air strips? Certainly the number of incidents has increased. Two or three warning signs have been put in place in close proximity to Baldonnel and Kildare. This matter will have to be dealt with quickly. I ask that every effort be made through the media and that the relevant warning signs be erected.
The flights safety officer takes his responsibilities seriously by reporting the infringements to the Irish Aviation Authority. The primary responsibility rests with the authority to take the appropriate action. Any warning signs or any other action deemed necessary in transgressions of this kind will be put in place.