Ireland issues €14m tender for deportation flights as removals rise

Ireland's Department of Justice has issued a tender worth €14 million for deportation charter flights, nearly triple the €5 million value of the 2024 contract, signaling an expected rise in removals over the next five years. The new five-year contract, led by Minister Jim O'Callaghan, anticipates "increasing demand for return operations" in the coming year, according to tender documents. It covers charter planes and support services for An Garda Síochána to remove individuals without permission to remain in the State. Seven charter flights in 2026 have removed 245 people, including 91 EU citizens on criminality grounds, up from six flights removing 205 people last year. The most expensive 2025 operation, to South Africa in June, cost €735,000 for 42 removals.