Joint Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss any potential implications for Irish-controlled airspace of planned Russian naval exercises with Irish Aviation Authority

The meeting at 1.30pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House will hear from Peter Kearney, CEO of the IAA, and Peter Kavanagh, General Manager En-route & Aeronautical Information Services.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kieran O’Donnell said: “There has been considerable concern in Ireland since it was announced that Russia intended to stage naval exercises in the Atlantic off our southwest coast. It is welcome that Russia has agreed to move the exercises outside Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The committee will engage with the IAA on any potential implications for Irish-controlled or managed airspace, which acts as the gateway for some 90 per cent of traffic across the North Atlantic, or up to 1,500 flights at peak per day between North America and Europe.

“Members look forward to discussing this and related matters, as well as the IAA’s role in managing Irish airspace, with Mr Kearney and Mr Kavanagh.”

The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.