‘A predictable and entirely avoidable crisis’: Government criticised by Kildare rep over Air Corps Air Traffic Services situation

The government has been criticised by a County Kildare councillor over the current controversy surrounding the Air Corps Air Traffic Services crisis.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who represents the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District made his comments in response to a recent controversy concerning the government and the Defence Forces.

It was reported over the Bank Holiday weekend that a 2021 study warned the government of the collapse of the Air Corps Air Traffic Service at Casement Aerodrome, and that a scheme which may have prevented the crisis was only requested back in back in February (four years later).

Cllr Pender further pointed out that the report included a number of recommendations, including the introduction of a retention scheme for controllers and the commissioning of enlisted personnel.

Explaining his views on the matter, Cllr Pender, who previously acted as his party's former Chair of its Defence and Security Policy Committee, said: "This was a predictable and entirely avoidable crisis.

"The government had this report on its desk for over three years — it warned of a collapse in service and outlined practical, immediate steps to prevent it; the fact that nothing was done until the service began to fail is a shocking dereliction of duty."

He continued: "The Air Corps has now been forced to reduce operations to a five-day week with 12-hour limits due to a severe shortage of qualified personnel.

"The report had warned that staffing issues would lead to repeat service collapses 'every number of years' unless urgent measures were taken."

Cllr Pender also claimed: "This isn’t just about poor planning — it’s about a repeated pattern of disrespect and neglect towards Defence Forces personnel.

"The people who keep our skies safe were left without the support or structures they needed; that’s on the government."

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

Cllr Pender has called on An Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris to carry out the following actions in an attempt to remedy the situation: immediately publish the 2021 ATS Working Group report; explain the reason for the four-year delay in action; urgently implement all remaining recommendations in full; and provide a clear, public timeline for restoring full ATS operations at Casement Aerodrome.

In addition, Cllr Pender said: "There is no excuse for the failure to act. Casement Aerodrome is a critical national asset.

"The Defence Forces provides not only operational readiness but also contingency support in the event of civil aviation failure... Undermining that role is a risk to national security."

He concluded: “We need leadership, We need accountability, and above all, we need the political will to ensure this never happens again."

Cllr Pender made headlines last week when he asked Kildare County Council to provide an update on the current ownership status of the Newbridge Water Tower.

The Department of Defence has been asked for comment in response to Cllr Pender's statement. This article will be updated as soon as a response becomes available.

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