Air Corps

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 March 2025

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Ceisteanna (236)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

236. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline, given that according to the European Commission 17 large-capacity power generators were delivered to Ireland from EU stockpiles and from Denmark and Luxembourg to help with the after-effects of storm Éowyn by the air forces of Member States, including Romania, whether the Air Corps had the available capacity to fly the generators to Ireland; if the Air Corps offered to fly the generators to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11343/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I would like to express my gratitude to the European Commission and individual Member States who offered assistance in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, a record-breaking storm that brought unprecedented levels of damage and destruction.

The Air Corps' Airbus C295, a maritime surveillance aircraft with limited cargo capacity, was assessed as capable of assisting with the generator transport. The generators were delivered on behalf of the Commission by other means, at which stage the Defence Forces provided vital logistical support, including reception, storage, and onward transport of the generators to the required locations.