The Government has confirmed plans to purchase a new ministerial jet at a cost of €53m excluding VAT, marking a significant increase from the initial €45m tender issued last year.
The decision comes as a direct response to ongoing reliability issues with the current Government Learjet, which has experienced multiple mechanical failures and breakdowns in recent years, disrupting ministerial travel schedules.
According to The Irish Examiner, the procurement process, which began with last year’s tender, has concluded with a higher-than-anticipated final price tag, reflecting an €8m increase from the original estimated cost.
The new aircraft is set to replace the existing Learjet, which has been plagued by technical issues, forcing the Government to frequently seek alternative travel arrangements for official business.
The announcement comes at a time when government transport capabilities have been under scrutiny due to the increasing maintenance requirements and unreliability of the current fleet.
While specific details about the new aircraft’s model and delivery timeline have not been disclosed, the significant investment signals the Government’s commitment to maintaining reliable air transport for official duties.