Military Aircraft

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022

Tuesday, 15 February 2022

Questions (252)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

252. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the dates in the past 20 years for which his Department was informed of military exercises being carried out in the skies above Ireland including above the exclusive economic zone by foreign air forces; the scale of such exercises and the duration of each; the country involved in each case; if Ireland acceded to such a request; if Irish and other airline companies flying through that region were warned by his Department of such manoeuvres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7934/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Irish Aviation Authority, as the State's Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), is the body responsible for the provision of air navigation and air traffic management services in Irish controlled airspace. This includes airspace designated to the Irish State by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), known as the Shannon Flight Information Region, and also an area of the North Atlantic which the IAA administers jointly with the United Kingdom, known as the Shanwick Oceanic Region. When military activities are planned that have an aviation element, the State carrying out the exercise must follow the agreed international procedure (as set down by ICAO) for notifying the State responsible for the portion of airspace that will be affected. Once this happens, the State responsible for the airspace and the relevant ANSP follow the remainder of the agreed procedure to notify aircraft and restrict access to the area in question, in order to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft.

Accordingly, I have referred this question to the IAA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.