Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1585. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact that an aeroplane (details supplied) landed at Shannon Airport at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday 30 December 2016 before proceeding to Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey and then back to Shannon; and if a munitions permit was sought and granted for this plane. [1172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1609. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he permitted an aeroplane (details supplied) operating on behalf of the US military to land at Shannon Airport on Friday 30 December 2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the plane arrived at Shannon at 1 p.m., took off less than two hours later and flew to Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, before returning to Shannon at 4 a.m. the following morning; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that Incirlik air base, which is close to the Syrian border, is used by the US to launch air and drone strikes in Syria and Iraq; if he requested that the plane should be searched in view of the fact it could be carrying weapons or munitions; and if he has any information to prove that the flight in question was not part of a military exercise or operation. [1621/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1627. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an aircraft (details supplied) on contract to the United States of America military landed at Shannon airport twice between 30 December 2016 and 1 January 2017; if his attention had been drawn to the fact that it was en route to and from a NATO air base at Incirlik in southern Turkey; if he issued an exemption for it to carry munitions or dangerous goods on either or both legs of its journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1585, 1609 and 1627 together.
Civil aircraft are not normally required to notify or seek permission for overflights of Ireland or for technical stops at Irish airports. The aircraft referred to made such a technical stop at Shannon on 30 December for refuelling purposes. The airline did not notify or seek permission from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to this flight.
The carriage of munitions on board an aircraft in Irish airspace does require a permit under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 if munitions of war are on board.
Ireland's procedures in relation to such flights, including in relation to munitions, are outlined in detail in a standard international civil aviation document known as the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package, which is published on the Irish Aviation Authority's website.
The Department has contacted the airline to remind it of these requirements and to enquire as to the circumstances surrounding the flight on 30 December. I have also requested my officials to liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs on what further actions might be taken to ensure US airlines on charter to the US military comply fully with Irish regulations.
