John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Defence if flight activity at Baldonnel Aerodrome has increased over the past five years; if there is a restriction on night-time flights; if Baldonnel Aerodrome has been or is being used for the movement of United States troops and personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4548/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There has been a decrease in flight activity at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel over the past five years. In 2003, there were 23,836 aircraft movements, while in 2007 there were 23,259 aircraft movements. The military authorities are committed to ensuring that the impact of their activities on the local population in the environs of Casement Aerodrome is kept to the minimum possible, and to this end a restriction is imposed on the Air Corps Flying Training School to ensure night flying training concludes before midnight. This night flying training, which is a necessary part of the Cadet Pilots Wings Syllabus, is typically undertaken for an average of three weeks per year.

Casement Aerodrome facilitates the operation of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, the Garda Air Support Unit, Air Ambulance missions, etc. Night-time flying is required in the provision of these services by the Air Corps from time to time. Responsibility for the approval of overflights and landings at Irish airfields, including Casement Aerodrome, by foreign military aircraft lies with my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I am advised that the permissions granted to US military aircraft to land at Baldonnel in recent years relate to refuelling stops, training missions and for VIP and official visits.