5. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the actions his Department is taking to ensure that Casement Aerodrome is fit for purpose in terms of infrastructure, capacity, and operational efficiency. [31286/25]

Sentiment score: 0.26

Like other speakers this morning, I wish to raise the issue of the aerodrome at Baldonnel and the problems that have manifested in respect of air traffic controllers. We note that there have been problems with air traffic control on three occasions since 2010 and that a report was done internally in 2021. It does not appear to have been acted on in a meaningful way to date. I know the Minister made some announcements in this regard yesterday, but my concern is that support flights for An Garda Síochána and air ambulance services are being missed out on as a result of the service not operating fully as it should.

Sentiment score: 0.20

I welcome all the additional promised investment in the Air Corps. When the Garda Commissioner was before the justice committee earlier this week, he pointed out that one of the main methods for tackling the scrambler scourge in the city is through deploying the Garda helicopter, which principally operates out of Casement Aerodrome. In circumstances where it is only operational half of the week, his hands must be severely curtailed in that regard. We need to do whatever we can to get this problem resolved at the earliest opportunity.

Sentiment score: 0.21

I welcome that last contribution and I look forward to seeing the fruits of that work.

Sentiment score: 0.46