Shannon Airport Facilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021

Wednesday, 10 February 2021

Questions (156)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

156. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 3 February 2021, if his Department was informed of the number of US military personnel on board the aircraft (details supplied); if so, the details of same; if services such as cleaning or the supply of food and refreshments were made to this aircraft while it was at Shannon Airport; if so, the persons or group that carried out the services; if they were they required to board the plane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7020/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department has no statutory function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports, and my officials do not request information on the number of passenger on such flights.

Air operators may detail the number of passengers proposed to be carried while applying for an exemption pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989. However, this number is neither recorded, or considered a definitive figure, as it can change closer to the commencement date of the flight concerned.

In this instance, my Department confirmed that 238 troops were detailed on the applicable application form, and Shannon Group plc. confirmed that 226 passengers were onboard for this particular flight.

The provision of ground handling services such as cleaning and catering would be an operational matter for the airport. I have forwarded these elements of your question to Shannon Group plc. for direct reply.

If you do not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51