Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
287. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if a company (details supplied) has provided formal written assurances to his Department that existing levels of staffing can safely accommodate increased air traffic without requiring people to work discretionary overtime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAirNav Ireland was established in 2023 under the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022 to provide 24-hour air navigation and related services within the 451,000 km2 of airspace controlled by Ireland. It also provides terminal air traffic control services at the three State airports, Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
AirNav is a commercial semi-state company funded by way of charges on airlines for its services and is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in respect of safety and the European Commission's performance and charging framework for the Single European Sky.
The performance and charging framework is designed to ensure the efficiency of European air navigation services across key performance areas such as safety, environment, capacity, and cost-efficiency. It includes EU-wide targets, performance plans and cost bases for charging by air navigation service providers. Ireland’s Performance Plan covering the period 2025-2029 (RP4), submitted to the European Commission by the IAA in August 2025 for review, addresses the provision by AirNav of en route air navigation services and terminal air traffic control services at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
Under the RP4 Plan it is planned that the number of air traffic controllers employed by AirNav would increase in increments from 307 at end 2024 to 364 by end 2029 to meet the expected increase in demand for AirNav's services. AirNav currently employs 324 air traffic controllers, up from 300 at end 2023.
While overtime remains integral to AirNav's 24-hour operations the reliance on overtime is expected to decrease as air traffic controller staffing numbers rise.
AirNav is actively recruiting and training student air traffic controllers to ensure it has the capacity to meet the increased demand. AirNav expects to train 76 student controllers in 2026.
AirNav is currently engaging with FÓRSA on the issue of staffing levels through the company’s Internal Dispute Resolution Board mechanism. That process must be respected and allowed to run its course.
It is important to note that the safe operation of Irish airspace is a priority for AirNav. It is also important to ensure the continued smooth operation of our airports and that any potential disruption to services and passengers is avoided.
