Courts / Dublin / Report

Airport police never had to consider Shannon as military target, trial told

Date
2020-10-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Pat O'Brien, head of airport police at Shannon Airport, testified that he had never considered the airport a legitimate military target. He described inspecting the perimeter fence after the alleged 2016 incident where Colm Roddy (78) and Dave Donnellan (60) allegedly cut the fence and painted red crucifixes on the runway. O'Brien noted the fence appeared cut and folded back, emergency repairs costing about €300, with total estimated repairs at €3,500. Maintenance manager Mark Reidy explained the costs were estimates because the repair programme was ongoing. O'Brien also mentioned the airport's plans to respond to major incidents such as aircraft crashes, bomb scares, chemical spills and terrorist attacks. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury. Colm Roddy pleaded not guilty. Dave Donnellan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Airport police never had to consider Shannon as military target, trial told. Charges or matters: criminal damage of the perimeter fence and runway at Shannon Airport in Co. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 5, 2016 Incident
2020-10-16 Publication

Why: Mark Reidy, maintenance manager at the airport, told Mr Roddy the costs were estimated because the programme of works was ongoing and "that section of the fence has not been repaired yet". CNI source report