US military flights increasing in Irish airspace

THE number of US military flights passing over Ireland this year is on course to exceed the 2004 total at a cost of €5 million to the taxpayer.

The Government has given permission for 964 overflights so far this year, according to figures released by the Department of Transport.

With three months remaining, the number of flights granted permission in 2005 is set to easily top the 2004 total of 973.