Irish citizens could be evacuated from Lebanon on new Defence Forces planes if tensions escalate

Debris of damaged buildings that were hit by an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday evening in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. Pictures: AP /Hussein Malla

The Defence Forces has the capacity to evacuate 40 Irish citizens from Lebanon on its two new maritime surveillance planes if the Government makes the order, it has been confirmed.

The Airbus C295, which has a limited range, would need to stop for refuelling on its flight from Baldonnel Airport to Beirut and back.