This article is from page 4 of the 2006-08-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
GARDAÍ in Clare say they are confident the security operation in Shannon is sufficient, in the wake of last Thursday’s foiled attempt to blow up transatlantic flights overseas.
Just days before that incident, security was stepped up at Shannon, after anti-war activists pledged to shut down the airport unless US troops pulled out.
Gardaí are lining the perimeter fence at Shannon around the clock, while the army has been called in.
Clare Chief Superintendent Liam Quinn said adequate security is in place at the airport.
“We have a substantial security operation in place in Shannon. We have been in contact with the authorities in Shannon and are working very closely with them,” he said.
“We already had a substantial security operation in place. What is happening in London hasn’t impacted (on Shannon) from a security point of view.
“It is adequate for the present threat and is a measured response to what is in place,” said the Garda Chief.
Hundreds of passengers at Shannon were left stranded as four flights – three Ryanair and one Aer Lingus – to the UK were cancelled on Thursday. Many were forced to make alternative arrangements at a heavy cost.
Some changed their plans and flew out over the weekend, others cancelled their trips overseas, while many took the ferry to the UK.
According to a spokesperson for the airport, none of the long-haul flights were affected.
“Transatlantic traffic was not affected. Many of the European flights were delayed by two to three hours as a knock-on effect, but overall there was no chaos as flights were not badly affected,” said a spokesperson for Shannon Airport.
“There were a number of minor delays on Friday, all emanating from UK services, but there has been little difficulty since,” added the spokesperson.
The spokesperson said that security measures have not changed in the wake of Thursday’s incident.
“Nothing has changed. Whatever rules were there still apply. There are still restrictions, however, on flights to the UK, in that no liquids or gels can be carried on to the planes,” added the spokesperson.
Passengers intending to travel from Shannon, and the country’s other airports, are being asked to limit their carry-on hand luggage to one small bag each.
They are being asked to contact their airline for further details. Ryanair is advising its passengers flying from UK airports to check in at least two hours before departure time.