Demonstration at Shannon Airport

by Tim Hourigan Wed May 08, 2002 16:27

Just to post a correction to the above.
It was originally imagined that the demo would be organised by PANA (Peace and Neutrality Alliance)for the 11th and it was in this regard that myself and Ed Horgan were discussing it and speaking to people.

There was been a 'slight' breakdown in communication along the line and I have learned that PANA will not be able to organise for the 13th. I imagined they had rescheduled, but was informed today that it is not the case.
I apologise for that misconception.

I also had the Shannon police asking me who was organising this. People have assumed it was me and Ed.

Please do not ring Ed Horgan re: this demo.
I will be attending the demo myself and would like to be sure that people are aware that although PANA are not organising it, it should not be a repeat of last December's protest.

If people are willing to come along and hold a peaceful dignified protest against the military use of Shannon I will be glad to talk to them, and answer any questions.

Okay, sorry if I'm making this up as I go but i normally just do plane spotting, not organising at Shannon.

There shouldn't be a need for too much organisation of a simple demo like this so long as everyone is well behaved.

There's a regular bus route to Shannon airport.
E5.50 day return from Limerick. Takes about 40 minutes from Limerick, a bit less from Ennis I think.

If you bring yourself and your banners, you can catch the bus to Shannon, get off at the entrance to the airport where we will start a march towards the terminal.
I don't yet know who's coming, so I don't know how long anyone wants to talk for.
I will try to get someone from the company FBO to issue a statement on their refuelling of military aircraft. I doubt they would want to talk to us directly, so I'll ask them for something in writing.

In light of Monday's event's in Dublin, the police are concerned about this demo.
I will be talking to Insp Kennedy of Shannon Garda Station about this, and telling him that there is not expected to be any violence from either the protestors or the police at this demonstration.

I know there was no orchestrated trouble at the last demo, but it seems people didn't have a plan for the demo and it became a bit erratic and overheated on both sides.

I'm willing to be a spokesperson for the group so long as everyone who is coming lets me know beforehand, and assures me that they will conform to the principles of non-violence.
Those coming in groups on a bus should have one person who will keep track of them, cos I can't provide anyone with transport home if they get left behind.

Let's also bear in mind that the German guy arrested at the December demo is in court shortly
and we wouldn't want anyone to unfairly prejudice his case by forgetting their manners.
Likewise, let's be mindful that the police involved in Monday's demo are not the same police at Shannon so there is no reason to expect anyone to lose the head with the baton.

In any event there should be plenty of video cameras to record the banners, speeches and anything else should it be required.

If you can't make the demo, please make the effort to write to the following expressing your opposition to military refuelling at Shannon.

The company who is refuelling military aircraft:

FBO Shannon
Tel. No +353-61-475444
Fax. No +353-61-475222
E-mail: [email protected]

The Taoiseach who gave permission for military refuelling without Dail approval (as required by article 28 of the Constitution).

Mr. Bertie Ahern
c/o government buildings
Merrion Street
Dublin 2

I would also encourage people to write to Aer Rianta at Shannon to tell them that we do not wish the mid-west's valuable civilian airport to turn into a US Air Force base.
We want tourists on Aer Lingus not soldiers and bombs on USAF or World Airways

Aer Rianta Customer Service
Shannon Airport Terminal
Shannon Co. Clare

Flight Information +353 6 1 712400
General Queries +353 6 1 712000

1890 7426666 (LoCall number available to
customers calling from within the Republic of Ireland.)