THE IRISH AVIATION Authority (IAA) has granted Santa Claus permission to use Irish airspace on Christmas Eve.
There were fears Storm Barbara could have interfered with Santa’s travel plans, but the IAA has given the all-clear.
With thousands of people travelling by air to Ireland to be with their loved ones this week, the IAA air traffic control teams in Dublin, Shannon and Cork have been making sure that the flights arriving and taking off from these airports do so safely.
On Christmas Eve night a special air traffic control team will keep in regular contact with the pilots of the aircraft in the air that night.
They said they will make sure Rudolf and the other reindeer travel safely across Irish airspace, as quickly as possible, so that Santa can get to every house on time.
The IAA has also advised anybody with drones to avoid using them on this special night and only use them safely and correctly.
Get to bed early
Transport Minister Shane Ross welcomed the news.
I have been informed that a large, jolly man on a low flying sleigh, assisted by reindeer and perhaps some elves, will be entering Irish airspace tomorrow evening. I would therefore encourage all children to be safety tucked up in their beds as early as possible to ensure Santa and his reindeer can go about their work successfully.
“I am happy to confirm that the country’s stock of milk, mince pies and carrots (for the reindeer) has been recently topped up. I have also just received a very important message from Mrs Claus who has asked that everyone take special care on our roads this holiday season and if you’re having a festive drink, please leave the car at home,” Ross said.
The Coast Guard had also issued a navigation warning for all Irish coastal waters and the Irish Sea.
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