More than 1,260 flights approved to carry munitions through Irish airspace in 2024
One Denis Aircraft Refusal Or Involved Shannon Scannell File Landing At Picture: An Airport Taking Off
The Department of Transport granted more than 1,260 applications to carry munitions on civil aircraft through Irish airspace this year, according to the latest figures.
Of the 1,300 applications received to the end of November this year, the department granted 1,267 and refused just six while 27 were cancelled by airlines. One refusal involved an aircraft landing or taking off at Shannon Airport while the other five involved aircraft flying over Ireland.
Thirteen flights were permitted in or over Ireland carrying munitions of war which were at least partially classified as dangerous goods which can include items such as ammunition. The department also confirmed that no inspections have been carried out on civil aircraft potentially carrying weapons through Ireland.
The Government has come under increasing pressure in recent months after an inquiry carried out by the department found nine flights that passed over Ireland were either destined for Israel, or were Israeli munitions companies that it believed carried weapons of war.
"The failure to inspect a single plane flying through Shannon illustrates the reality of the Government's 'see no evil' policy," People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said.
"They deliberately turn a blind eye to the transport of weapons to Israel through Irish airspace.
"When confronted with the reality of what has been happening without legal permission they have taken no action to sanction those who have breached the law or prevent them from doing it again."
Under existing laws, it is illegal for flights to carry weaponry through Irish airspace unless prior consent is provided by the transport minister.
Powers currently exist to allow for civil aircraft seeking to depart from a location in the State to be inspected but the department states this is conditional "on there first being an appearance of intention of likelihood to operate in contravention of statute".
There are plans to update the current legislation in order to allow spot inspections of aircraft that are in receipt of an exemption to check it is not carrying undeclared munitions.
It is understood the Government wants it to be known there would be serious sanctions if anybody is caught bringing unauthorised weapons of war through Irish airspace.
The latest data also shows that up to the end of November 2024, approximately 43,500 US military personnel travelled through Shannon Airport.
This indicates a reduction in the number of US troops stopping through the airport compared to 2023 which saw a year-end total of 55,907 and a significant reduction when compared to 2022 when 83,037 soldiers travelled through.