Written answers

Thursday, 26 January 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Military Aircraft Landings

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an aircraft (details supplied) operating on behalf of the US military was permitted to fly from Shannon Airport to Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey and then back on 30 December 2016; if he will confirm that the plane cargo carried no weapons or munitions related to drone strikes or nuclear weapons; the steps that were taken to confirm if it did or did not carry such cargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3539/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Civil aircraft are not normally required to notify or seek permission from my Department for overflights of Ireland or for technical stops at Irish airports. The aircraft referred to in the question 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 and regulations in relation to civil aircraft in Irish airspace, including in relation to munitions, are outlined in detail in a standard international civil aviation document known as the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package. This document is published on the Irish Aviation Authority's website.

The Department has contacted the airline concerned to remind it of these requirements and to enquire as to the circumstances surrounding the flight on 30 December. My officials are also liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs and will be meeting with the US Embassy shortly to discuss Ireland's procedures and regulations in relation to such flights.

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