A judge has banned a 74-year-old peace activist and his co-accused from entering Co Clare arising from an alleged incursion into Shannon airport.
At Gort District Court on Thursday, Judge James Faughnan made the order that Colm Roddy of Bayside Walk, Sutton, Dublin 13 and Dave Donnellan (56) of Reuben Street, Rialto, Dublin 8 not enter Co Clare except for court appearances as part of their bail conditions until their case is finalised.
The two are charged with causing €300 in criminal damage to a perimeter fence at Shannon airport on Wednesday.
During the alleged incursion at around 5am, the two spray-painted crosses in red on airport property as part of a “faith-based protest”. The two were arrested and detained at Shannon Garda Station.
Supt Brendan McDonagh of Ennis Garda Station told the court that “there is a possibility of further charges” in the case.
Judge Faughnan asked: “What is this all about?”
In reply, Supt McDonagh said: “This is in relation to Shannon Airport and the security of Shannon Airport. It will be alleged that the airport perimeter fence was damaged and the airport was entered and the two were arrested in the airport itself. It is to do with the ongoing security at Shannon.”
Solicitor for Mr Donnellan, Stiofán Fitzpatrick handed in a statement of means in support of his client’s legal aid application stating that he works part time.
However, Judge Faughnan deferred the legal aid application. He said: “He was down there of his own volition. How he did get down there or was he working? I want a fully vouched affidavit of means not a statement of means.”
Judge Faughnan told Mr Roddy that he looked very well for 74 after Mr Roddy told him his age.
In court, Mr Roddy was wearing a top with the words: “Welcome refugees from wars we helped to fuel.”
After Judge Faughnan told him that as part of his bail, gardaí were seeking that he remain out of Co Clare, Mr Roddy said that he attends a vigil at Shannon once a month.
However, Mr Roddy – who was representing himself – consented that he remain out of Co Clare as part of his bail.
The two were remanded on bail to re-appear in relation to the charges to Ennis District Court on July 20th.
