Written answers
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Aviation Issues
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the circumstances in which two Russian military aircraft entered Irish controlled air space in January 2015; if his attention had been drawn to the fact that these aircraft were going to enter Irish controlled air space; the details that he knew of this situation at the time; the details regarding the episode now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7469/15]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that two Russian Bear military aircraft flew at 10° west in Irish controlled airspace on Wednesday 28th January, 2015. The IAA coordinated closely with its UK counterparts and there was no risk to commercial aircraft operating in the area during the incident. The Russian aircraft did not enter Irish sovereign airspace (over the land territory of the State and 12 nautical miles from the Irish coast) at any time but were in an area under IAA air traffic control (which extends to 256 nautical miles from the Irish coast). The Russian aircraft were approximately 50 nautical miles from the Irish coast at their nearest point.
In line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules, it is normal practice for the IAA to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace. Ensuring the application of this practice is an important consideration and as this did not occur in this particular instance my Department has raised the issue with ICAO and outlined concerns arising.
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