File for DPP on Shannon incursion

Ten anti-war protesters were arrested at Shannon Airport on Saturday after an estimated 50 to 60 people breached airport security to enter the airfield.

According to a spokesman at Shannon Garda station last night, the protesters were prevented from going on to the runway by gardaí and airport police before the 10 were arrested and brought to the Garda station.

He said a number of protesters were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to the perimeter fence, while the remainder were arrested under the Air Navigation and Transport Act after their incursion on to the airfield.

He said a file would now be going to the DPP in relation to the 10 people who were arrested.

The spokesman said that the breach of airport security occurred as about 300 protesters were making their way from the airport by foot after a 2½-hour demonstration outside the airport terminal building.

He said "the unexpected turn of events took place at the end of a peaceful protest and despite undertakings from the protest organisers that no such action would take place".

However, the Garda operation outside the terminal building was yesterday accused of being antagonistic towards the protesters by the Green MEP, Ms Patricia McKenna.

She was refused access to the terminal building along with her party colleagues, Mr Dan Boyle TD and Mr Paul Gogarty TD, and the Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins.

She said: "The number of gardaí of around 60 was disproportionate and unjustifiable, and it was also very sinister that there were a number of Garda video cameras filming the event. It was very intimidating."

Ms McKenna, who claimed that almost 1,000 protesters were present, said she had left the protest before security was breached and the arrests were made.

She said: "When elected representatives are deemed a security threat by gardaí by not allowing us entry to the airport terminal, it is no wonder that protesters get frustrated."

Ms Dette McLaughlin, one of the protesters at the rally, which was organised by the umbrella Irish Anti-War Movement, said: "It was a peaceful protest and the presence of the Garda dogs and mounted police was terrifying for many.

"There was no attempt by the protesters to go on to the runway when they got over the fence. They simply sat down on the grass and sang Give Peace a Chance before a number of them were taken away by the gardaí."

Ms McKenna added: "The vast majority of Irish people are opposed to a US war in Iraq, and the Government seems to be backing the US when it suits it and has a completely contradictory policy when it comes to putting into practice our so-called neutrality."

Last night a spokesman at Shannon Garda station declined to say how many gardaí were involved in the operation.

Later this week Mr Eoin Dubsky (22) of Ballymoney, Co Wexford, who is charged with the criminal damage of a US military aircraft last month at Shannon is due to appear before Shannon District Court in connection with the alleged offence.