The Irish military were offered two aircraft that were “essentially new and unused” for less than 40% of the cost of a new plane.
The two C295 transport aircraft had been in service with the UN world food programme, were ready for delivery, and had seen “virtually no active service”.
The Department of Defence however, declined the offer saying that all procurement of goods and services had to follow EU rules.
In previously unreleased documents, it has emerged that the two aircraft were being offered at just 38% of their purchase price and were already configured for carrying personnel and freight transport.
These records were released following a successful appeal by Right to Know to the Information Commissioner.
You can read that decision here and view the documents themselves below: