Shannonwatch Dismisses Government Weapons Search Plans As "Cynical" Electioneering

Clare FM

Shannonwatch has dismissed new government proposals to conduct spot checks of foreign aircraft suspected of carrying weapons through Irish airspace, which are due before cabinet today, as a cynical pre-election move. An inquiry by the Department of Transport in September determined up to nine flights either chartered by Israeli munitions companies or carrying arms destined for Israel flew over the country. Between January and June, 163 weapons exemptions were granted to US soldiers departing Shannon Airport on civil aircraft, which has also been a point of contention at mass anti-war protests at the facility this year. Shannonwatch Founder and former UN Peacekeeper Edward Horgan says the state could simply terminate this agreement if it's serious about taking action.