248 US military flights over Ireland went unreported due to ‘administrative error’

An Irish Times investigation has uncovered a significant discrepancy in the reporting of US military aircraft transiting Irish airspace, revealing that 248 flights went undisclosed due to what the Department of Foreign Affairs has termed an "administrative error."

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The Department of Foreign Affairs attributed the underreporting of overflights to an administrative error.

This underreporting is particularly concerning given the surge in US military overflights last month, coinciding with extensive US strikes in the Middle East. While the department has since corrected its published statistics, the initial lack of transparency raises serious questions about the oversight of foreign military activity within our borders. The figures initially showed a dramatic drop in overflights, a stark contrast to independent tracking by The Irish Times which identified numerous military transport and surveillance aircraft.

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This error has now been corrected after it was brought to our attention.

The recurring use of Irish airspace and airports by the US military has long been a contentious issue. This latest revelation, following renewed calls from opposition TDs regarding US military actions, underscores the need for greater clarity and accountability. For Ireland, a nation committed to neutrality, ensuring robust monitoring and transparent reporting of all military overflights is paramount.

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The use of Irish airspace and airports by the US military has long been controversial.