Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given authorisation to the transportation of military personnel and equipment through Irish airspace and or the use of Shannon airport by US armed forces with Israel as a stated final destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38637/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport, as implemented in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989.

Since my appointment as Minister for Transport, I have not granted any exemption that permitted the carriage of munitions of war on a civil aircraft to a point in Israel, or where Israel is stated as a final destination.

The Orders relate to the carriage of munitions of war and do not impose any requirement on aircraft operators regarding the transportation of military personnel.

The operation of foreign military aircraft in Irish sovereign territory is a matter for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
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194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the replies he received from Dublin Airport Authority, AIRNAV and IAA to the proposal for straight out departures from Dublin Airport north runway and other suggestions put forward by North Runway Technical Group at the meeting of 19 June 2025. [38642/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for the question. It is important to Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels at the airport, with the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, and the needs of business and tourism interests. 

The Programme for Government includes a strong commitment to work with stakeholders to ensure relevant agencies engage effectively with all communities impacted by noise, flight movements and airport operations.

I have commenced a process of engagement with key stakeholders on a range of issues in relation to Dublin Airport in recent months. This includes meeting with the North Runway Technical Group on 19 June 2025 in relation to the impact of aircraft noise on those who live in and around the surrounds of Dublin Airport.

I can confirm that following this engagement, my Office received follow-up documentation on 25 June from the Group. As agreed at the meeting, I will be engaging with daa in relation to these proposals.