The use of Shannon Airport by US military for the past three years has seen the state pay €250,000 in extra security costs.
However, Defence Minister Alan Shatter has defended the moneys spent by the Irish Defence Forces, saying the use of Shannon by American troops is very important to the Airport.
Minister Shatter has told the Dáil that in 2010 the cost to the state for US military aircraft landing at Clare’s International Airport was €203,366.
In 2011, this rose to €259,739 euro and in 2012 the cost climbed to €275,008.
Minister Shatter has told the Dáil that figures for 2013 are expected to be broadly in line with last year’s numbers, which would mean close a €1m would have been spent on security for American troops over a four year period.
However, the Minister stressed the business generated as a result of this is very important in maintaining the viability of Shannon, which he added is instrumental for American troops.
The use of Shannon airport by the US military has been the source of debate for over a decade with regular protests during that time by anti-war groups, including Shannonwatch.
