Air Corps Operations

Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Questions (115)

Clare Daly

Question:

115. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the necessary funding will be provided to ensure the air traffic control tower at Baldonnel Aerodrome is opened 24/7. [23768/19]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Air Corps is experiencing a shortage of trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel which has necessitated a reduction in operating hours. Actions are underway to return to previous levels of ATC services. While it is not yet possible to state definitively when 24hr operations will resume, ATC training is taking place and options to ensure the longer term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel are also being identified.