Ireland’s Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has called for stronger powers to crack down on airlines carrying military cargo through Irish airports and airspace. Speaking at today’s Cabinet meeting, Ryan highlighted the urgent need to modernize Ireland’s outdated aviation laws from the 1970s and 80s.
The Minister wants to give authorities more muscle to search aircraft, test cargo samples, and punish any airlines breaking Irish laws on weapons transport. This comes as current regulations struggle to keep pace with modern aviation challenges, especially since air travel within the EU has been fully opened up.
Under existing rules, civilian aircraft need special permission from the Transport Minister to carry military cargo through Irish territory. However, Ryan believes the current system needs a major update, including the introduction of random inspections for aircraft that have been granted these permits.
While the proposed changes won’t be completed under the current government, Ryan has instructed his department to work with Foreign Affairs officials to develop new legislation. The goal is to have these enhanced powers ready for implementation by the next government coalition.
The move represents Ireland’s most significant attempt in decades to strengthen its oversight of military cargo passing through its airports and airspace.