US use of Irish airspace to cost millions

The Government is facing a multimillion euro bill for US military aircraft using Irish airspace on their way to the Persian Gulf.

The military build-up by the US in preparation for a possible strike on Iraq means the State faces a sharp increase in the €1.5 million it pays annually for overflights by foreign military aircraft.

While close to 7,000 military aircraft flew over Ireland in the first nine months of 2002, a spokesman for the Department of Transport admitted last night that this year's charges are expected to be "considerably higher" on foot of "the increased activity" in Irish airspace over recent months.

Exact figures for US overflights in recent weeks are not available but sources indicated that on Saturday - the day of the anti-war protest in Dublin - there were at least 19 US east-bound aircraft overflying the city, with at least three west-bound flights.

These flights included 15 C17A aircraft - large transport planes capable of carrying tanks and other heavy machinery.

Under the Eurocontrol air navigation agreement, member-states are obliged to exempt from charges flights by search and rescue operations and small aircraft. Charges are not levied on aircraft transporting heads of state.

Member-states are not required to exempt military flights. Most European countries, including Ireland, have availed of the option to give them free passage. However, Austria, citing its neutrality, refused the US permission to fly military equipment and troops through its airspace.

The charges for air traffic control and communications that would otherwise be levied on the foreign military aircraft are paid by the Government to the Irish Aviation Authority.