Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Questions (218)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

218. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns among residents in Lucan, County Dublin due to the high volume of activity at Weston Airport; the restrictions in place on activity at the airport; and the measures in place to ensure all public health guidelines in relation to international travel are adhered to by those arriving into Ireland through the airport. [12638/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

At Level 5, the public health risk means that people are asked to stay at home, except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes. The operation of an airport is considered to be an essential service and as such Weston Airport is permitted to stay open to ensure essential activities continue. All public health regulations and guidelines must be strictly adhered to and operational procedures must be in line with HSE Covid procedures.

The Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel and that essential travel is undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures. Public health safety measures concerning international travel apply to all persons arriving in the State and do not differentiate between arrival by small private aircraft or large commercial aircraft.

The relevant Regulations SI 44 and SI 45 which were signed by the Minister for Health are available on the Government website:

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

The Department of Justice has advised that its Border Management Unit (BMU) recently contacted Weston Airport management reminding them of their obligations in relation to incoming flights from outside the State. This includes forwarding all relevant documentation (such as PLF and negative COVID 19 test results for all applicable arrivals) to Immigration Officers prior to the flight’s arrival. The BMU liaises with Weston Airport and other stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána regarding incoming flights on an ongoing basis.