An anti war group warned about future protests at Shannon airport to protest the continuation of US troop business after the Shannon Airport Authority announced it would specifically target US troop business.
Rose Hynes told the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications that Shannon will continue its 24/7 operation to accommodate US troops. The Irish Examiner reported she said, “Military traffic has been in the DNA of Shannon for many years . . . it’s lucrative and we are certainly going to go after it as much as possible.” During the tough economic times, Shannon Airport could use the business.
However, not everyone at Shannon shares Hynes’ perspective. Shannon watch spokesman, John Lannon said, “By claiming military traffic is ‘in the DNA of Shannon’ she is doing a grave disservice to the very many people living and working in Shannon who want nothing to do with unnecessary warfare.”
Lannon said, “US military traffic that traditionally passed through Shannon airport . . . were obliged to be unarmed, not even engaged in military exercises and no munitions were allowed on their aircraft.” This arrangement helped maintain Ireland’s neutrality and allowed US aircraft to refuel at Shannon.
The situation changed in October of 2001 with the war in Afghanistan. The Irish government invited armed US troops flying to Afghanistan, and later Iraq, to transit at Shannon Airport. Inviting armed troops there breached international laws on neutrality.
Both Irish citizens and American war veterans have protested the US troops’ use of Shannon Airport in the past. Irish anti war groups have held protests at Shannon Airport for several years. Shannon Airport is also a popular destination for tourists and visitors.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Stiofain | Feb 04, 2013, 05:08 PM EST
"...it's lucrative..." pretty much says it all.
gobdawpaddy | Feb 03, 2013, 08:36 AM EST
anglonorman,Pittsburghkid,Letterbrick,71regiment,joan1954,Iconcur. The Irish can be a very ungrateful bunch
anglo-norman | Feb 02, 2013, 08:25 PM EST
Ireland- Have RESPECT for these troops as they are protecting your freedom.
aloistmartin | Feb 02, 2013, 08:05 PM EST
G.I. Joe in every Kids Meal ( McDonald's )
bunkerisland | Feb 02, 2013, 05:24 PM EST
Seeing a large group of military, dressed in fatigues, sleeping about the airport is a chilling experience. We have aided the US in getting the military to and back from war. It is not simply kindness and helping an ally but monetary gain that the Taoiseach and the Shannon Airport Authority seek. The soldiers don't wish to be there under these circumstances nor do the protestors want them there. As an earlier commenter indicated, the decisions rest far above either soldier or protester. Neither democracy permits the public to decide.
Brolaur | Feb 02, 2013, 03:22 PM EST
The soldiers have nothing to do with.This has to do with Politics. Go after the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and your TD/s. Most of these young men/women would rather be at home. You have to start at the top!
joan1954 | Feb 02, 2013, 01:18 PM EST
In my visits to Ireland I have found that ignorance plays a big part and the troups will soon be heading home. For God's sake let them be in peace.
liammurf | Feb 02, 2013, 12:45 PM EST
For God sake the country of Ireland has forgot Shannon and the west/ No flights to or from Boston to SNN. These soldiers and tired, homesick and want to get hom as fast
Searlit | Feb 02, 2013, 12:28 PM EST
The war is ending this year. Have they not heard?
Pittsburghkid | Feb 02, 2013, 12:16 PM EST
On 911, American jumped out of the World Trade Center to their deaths, that day Muslims danced in the streets. We are going to continue to fight this enemy.
71regiment | Feb 02, 2013, 11:44 AM EST
The wes of Ireland can use all the business it can get help its economy. Look at Sweden during WW II. As well if Soviet Paratroopers had dropped onto Shannon during the "Cold War", you would be saying, "Where are the Yanks"?
crny925 | Feb 02, 2013, 11:34 AM EST
Amen, Letterbrick! For the LOVE OF GOD, you are protesting in the wrong place!!!! The Irish Government is NOT neutral; it is paid very well for each plane that lands to refuel... so, go to the Government buildings; the US Embassy... leave these men and women alone; they are only doing their job; being sent over by a disgraceful Government! They have honor, integrity and most people couldn't shine their boots... who would give their life for their country??? Protesting safely at Shannon; give me a break!!!!
Letterbrick | Feb 02, 2013, 09:27 AM EST
For God's sake, let these weary troops into Shannon on their way home from defending their country.