Military flights continued to cause controversy

THE controversy over military flights in Irish airspace, which became a major issue in efforts to oust Jack Lynch as taoiseach in 1979, were raised in a number of state files.

During the second world war, British military aircraft stationed on Lough Erne were authorised to fly directly to the Atlantic through what was know as the Donegal Corridor.

In 1952, the Foreign Military Aircraft Order empowered the minister for external affairs to authorise military over-flights and the landing of aircraft.

Quarterly reports were sent to the government until 1956. Thereafter those reports were sent to the Department of Defence instead. Blanket clearance was provided for specific periods. The American and British used to apply for permission six months at a time.

In 1973, the British wished to photograph a suspicious item near the border. They planned to stay north of border but they informed foreign affairs “as there was a slight possibility of accidental overflight”.

In April 1978, foreign affairs minister Michael O’Kennedy authorised a Royal Air Force request “to carry out an aerial survey of the border areas of South Armagh for cartographic purposes”. To do the job properly it would be necessary to fly “into the air space of the republic” and they would stray about 3.2km across the border.

Around the same time the British also sought permission which was granted to overfly the border to inspect another suspicious object. They expected to make six passes and the incursion would only extend about 500 meters.

This would also necessitate a team to dispose of that suspicious object and it might cross the border.

“The men would, if necessary, wear civilian clothes and be unarmed.

“Naturally the operation will take some time to complete during which time the unarmed men would be at considerable risk from terrorist interference and cover from the security forces of the Republic of Ireland would be appreciated”.