Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2023-05-10
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Cathal Berry (IND), Kildare South

My major concern is the primary radar system. We have not heard anything about it in the past 15 months and, if the Taoiseach will pardon the pun, I think the primary radar is about to fall off the radar. I have no doubt that the direct interest of both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste will be needed to pursue this project. It would be a huge disappointment if we do not act on the recommendations because the Exchequer finances are in surplus. It is an ideal time to use non-recurring capital expenditure to upgrade our facilities. The reason is simple. Any passenger flying through Irish airspace is entitled to expect the same standard of safety and security as they would in any other national, sovereign airspace in the EU. I do not think they are getting that service at the moment.
They are paying for it, because we operate a tolling system whereby any aircraft that flies through Irish airspace pays a toll. However, they are not getting the service they are entitled to expect. I urge the Taoiseach and even the Tánaiste to take an active interest in this project. Otherwise, it will not be delivered.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2023-05-10/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:51:52+00:00
Sitting date: 2023-05-10