The founder of Shannonwatch claims “huge damage” has been done to the reputation of Shannon Airport by its association with the US Military.
Hundreds descended on the Clare base over the weekend once again to demand an end to the alleged “use of Irish airspace to deliver arms, tech and logistical support” to Israel.
Gardaí were out in force in Shannon on Sunday afternoon in preparation for the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s ‘Stop Arming Israel’ demonstration, which was organised in collaboration with Shannonwatch.
Among the key asks of those in attendance was that the Irish Government ensures that Irish airports and airspace aren’t used to provide military aid to Israel.
They also called for the Arms Embargo Bill, Occupied Territories Bill and Illegal Israeli Settlements Bill to be passed, and for diplomatic relations with what was called the “genocidal Apartheid state of Israel” to be broken.
Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign Zoe Lawlor says the goal is to bring about “freedom, justice and equality” for all Palestinians.
It’s long been argued that US Military aircraft stopping in Shannon should be inspected and these calls have grown louder on foot of recent reports of weapons of war bound for Israel coming through the facility.
All foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in Ireland are bound by Irish law to seek diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with clearance only granted if certain conditions are met.
These conditions include that the aircraft carries no arms, ammunition or explosives, that it doesn’t engage in intelligence gathering and that the flight doesn’t form part of a military exercise or operation.
In 2023, however, over 1,000 clearance exemptions were granted by former Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
Shannonwatch founder Dr Edward Horgan says Shannon must become a “civilian airport” once again.
Shannon Airport says it’s “pleased to confirm that throughout the protest, there were no disruption to airport operations”.
It says “all flights at the airport operated on schedule, and there were no delays or cancellations as a result of the event”.
Doras CEO and long time activist with Shannonwatch John Lannon insists Shannon Airport is playing a role in military activities overseas and this must end.
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