On 20 February 2006, Antonov RA 82044, operated by Volga DNEPR, landed at Shannon, for a technical stop, flight originating from Russia, en route to Venezuela. The Department received ‘notification only' that the flight of aircraft RA 82044 was landing at Shannon.
Under international aviation rules aircraft making technical stops do not need an authorisation. In Ireland, however, permission is required if munitions are being carried. In the notification the firm in question indicated that "no dangerous goods or munitions will be carried on board".
The Department of Transport was notified on 10 February 2006 that the flight on 20 February of aircraft RA 82044 would be landing at Shannon. In the course of inquiries regarding this case the Department became aware that the aircraft was carrying military helicopters.
In the light of this I have initiated a review of the carriage of munitions and dangerous goods and my Department will consult with Departments and relevant groups as part of this review. The Department of Transport is responsible for authorisation of civil aircraft carrying weapons or munitions of war into or over Ireland. Before issuing an exemption, the Department of Transport consults: the Department of Foreign Affairs, in respect of foreign policy; the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding security and the Irish Aviation Authority, regarding aviation safety, and also informs the Department of Defence.
When any of those agencies has objected to an exemption being given, then an exemption has been refused. The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for regulating the activities of foreign military aircraft landing in, or over-flying Ireland.