FF spokesperson condemns 'Russian war games' off Irish coast
Fianna Fáil Transport Spokesperson Timmy Dooley TD has reacted to reports that air travel safety was compromised by the
Read More:
It has also been reported that the two Russian Tu-95 “Bears” had their safety transponders turned off.
Without active transponders, the presence of aircraft would be unknown to commercial airliners.
According to reports, the planes flew in from the north, past the west coast of Ireland and then east towards the English Channel before going back the same way.
They were escorted out of the region by RAF fighter jets.
Deputy Dooley has now called for immediate representations to the Russian government.
He has also called for clarity on reports that the British military did not inform Irish civil aviation authorities that they were sending the Typhoon fighter jets in response.
"The fact that the safety of the Irish travelling public was compromised by these war games is completely and utterly unacceptable," said Deputy Dooley.
"Ireland’s location means that we have some of the busiest airspace in Europe, with almost all transatlantic flights passing through our skies.
"The Russian and British unauthorised entry into our airspace posed a threat, not only to Irish air passengers but to thousands of people flying from Europe to the US.
“These manoeuvres, which were not sanctioned by the Irish Aviation Authority, put Irish air traffic controllers in the invidious position of not being able to carry out their duties effectively.
"This should not be tolerated.
"Minister Paschal Donohoe must move to secure a meeting with the British and Russian ambassadors to get a full explanation of the event and to seek assurances that a similar incident will not happen again.
“I have written to the Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport & Communications to convene a meeting with the Irish Aviation Authority to assess the risks that were posed during this incident.
"I have also submitted a request for the British and Russian ambassadors to be brought before the Committee to give an account of what happened.
“This is not an incident which can be brushed aside. It is imperative that the Government gets to the bottom of this issue, without delay”.
