Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
499 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the number of civilian aircraft which requested permission to overfly or land here and in particular at Shannon Airport in 2007, 2008 and 2009 while carrying munitions; the person whom made the requests; the number that were granted permission; the location they landed; the nature of the cargo on these planes; and the locations where the planes came from and were destined for. [48575/09]
View answerThe vast majority of requests for these flights are from American civil airlines, chartered by the US military, and involve flights to or from the United States. Almost all land at Shannon Airport.
In general flight applications of this type identify the airports immediately preceding and following the aircraft's arrival in Shannon. The final destination of these flights would not necessarily be known by my Department. Approximately 90% of the flights carry the personal weapons of the troops on board, safely stowed — a very small number carry ammunition. Approximately 10% of the flights, almost all over-flights, carry other military equipment.
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received |
Number of Permits Issued |
|
2007 |
1,517 |
1,495 |
|
2008 |
1,387 |
1,359 |
|
2009 |
1,306 |
1,276 |
