Air Corps: Indaver plan poses threats to operations including marine counter-terrorism training

Fast-roping special forces onto a ship as part of marine counter-terrorism training; cargo-slinging large loads and how low is too low when flying above a chimney stack — these issues all formed part of a robust Department of Defence rebuttal of claims that building an incinerator in Ringaskiddy would pose no threat to Air Corps operations.

On a day when waste management company Indaver Ireland prompted laughter with its offer to temporarily close the proposed facility “were it required for essential operations” of the Air Corps, Commandant David Browne said they remained concerned about the possible impact of an invisible plume on the safety of helicopter operations in the vicinity of Haulbowline naval base.

Given the strategic importance of Haulbowline to the Defence Forces, “including marine counter terrorism, joint Naval Service/Air Corps simulated attack, and cargo-slinging for replenishment of ships at sea”, any restriction of the Air Corps’ ability to operate in the area carries “strategic implic-ations for the State”, he said.