Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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324. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulations that apply to civilian helipads. [51014/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has statutory responsibility for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, including the regulation of helicopter operations.

The IAA informed me that under the provisions of the Irish Aviation Authority (Aerodromes and Visual Ground Aids) Order, 2008, (S.I. No. 355 of 2008), a helicopter can operate from “any place where the aircraft may take off or land without undue hazard to persons or property and in respect of which the owner or occupier shall have given permission.” The landing area and surrounding environment must be suitable and appropriate to the size and type of helicopter being operated. This responsibility rests with the helicopter operator, with the exception that where that place is of an elevated construction, located on the roof of a building or a structure, it shall also be licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority under this Order for such use by that helicopter. Elevated helipads have more stringent requirements and require specific approvals from the Authority. This Order allows the Authority to impose conditions on or prohibit operation of a helicopter to a site.

With regard to civil helicopter operations to any proposed heliport, the prescribed characteristics and obstacle limitation surfaces to be provided for both ground level or elevated heliports, including normal associated facilities and technical services, are contained in International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS), Aerodromes, Annex 14 Heliports; and ICAO Heliport Manual Document 9261-AN/903.