Air Services

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Questions (391)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

391. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the current arrangements governing the supply and storage of aviation fuel in the State, including at Shannon Airport; to detail the agreements or practices relating to the refuelling of foreign military aircraft, including those of the United States; if such refuelling activities could have an impact on the availability of jet fuel stocks for civilian aviation in the event of a shortage; the measures in place to ensure that civilian fuel supply is not adversely affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30675/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

Ireland’s fuel supply chains remain robust and reliable, and the national Oil Security of Supply Group chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) and comprising other relevant Departments including the Department of Transport as well as the industry representatives continue to monitor this.

The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) maintains strategic stocks of petroleum products in Ireland, including jet fuel (kerosene-type), to meet 90-day stockholding obligations required by EU and the International Energy Agency (IEA). These reserves are designed to be used in collective action with other IEA nations to stabilise markets, as dictated by the International Energy Program agreement.

The sourcing of aviation fuel at any airport is a commercial matter for the operator of an aircraft, be that a civil or military aircraft, and their fuel supplier. Shannon airport provides the infrastructure for fuel storage and refuelling at the airport but has no engagement with individual fuel suppliers. A third-party contractor manages the fuel operations at the airport campus.