LAST UPDATE | 27 Aug 2024

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD take any overflights carrying munitions through Irish airspace without consent “vey seriously”

Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carrol MacNeill made the comment today RTÉ’s Drivetime.

However, she said that she was not in position to speculate on what measures the government would take.

“It is very important that the government establish the facts. I don’t think it’s unreasonable that we take two steps: one, we establish the facts, and then we make the decision,” she said on RTÉ’s Drivetime.

Earier today, the Department of Transport confirmed that it was engaging with the carrier in question to gather all the necessary information.

“Officials are verifying the data being reported and are in the process of engaging with the carrier. This will require further time,” said a spokesperson.

However, MacNeill said she was not in a position to say when a report from the Department would be produced,  but she said that she expects it to be comprehensive.

Last week, The Ditch reported that Israeli arms passed through Irish airspace after travelling on an aircraft from the United States on multiple occasions. 

The Journal has independently determined through sources and open source flight information services that several such flights passed close to Ireland, with some believed to have entered Irish airspace since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza on 7 October.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that “no consent” had been sought for the overflights.

A statement received by The Journal yesterday from the Department of Transport confirmed “the carriage of munitions of war” is prohibited unless an exemption exists.

“In 2023 and to date in 2024, no applications have been received or exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft operating through Irish sovereign airspace to/from Israel.

“However, the Department is aware of recent media reports regarding the use of Irish sovereign airspace by a civil air operator reported to be carrying munitions and this matter is being examined, including engagement with the carrier concerned,” the statement read.

With reporting from Niall O’Connor and Muiris Ó Cearbhaill.