Further Update on security measures in Shannon

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Friday May 28, 2004 21:12 by Dominic Haugh - Socialist Party

As the date of the Bush visit draws closer more details of the security measures are coming to light. These security measures need to be taken into account in organising protests during the Bush visit. If anyone requires further information I will periodically reply to questions here and will post further updates as they become available.

Garda spotter planes have been reported as over-flying Shannon for a number of days this week apparently taking detailed photographs of the town and its environs.

It is also reported that over 5,000 Gardai will be on duty in Shannon and Dromoland backed up by 1,500 troops. Apparently there will be several hundred in riot gear. Water-cannon, inflatable boats, large numbers of paddy wagons, spotter planes and helicopters will be on stand-by. US Secret Service and CIA operatives will also be involved in the security operation.

It is now very likely that the Gardai will place road-blocks at all the exits off the dual carriage way into Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Dromoland. The has also been reports of Gardai considering blocking off some rural back roads around Newmarket for the duration of the visit. Local media is also reporting that the Gardai will be issuing passes to local residents to get through road-blocks around the town. It is questionable as to whether this will happen as it is a considerable logistic effort, but it does appear that all the details collected will be used on the road-blocks around Shannon. All of these road-blocks will be at least 1 mile from the town.

Many local businesses are considering shutting down for the duration of the visit as they do not expect any customers to be around. Local factories have been advised to tell their workers to leave up to two hours earlier for work to compensate for traffic delays.

Given that these security measures are at least what the State intends to implement it is bound to have considerable repercussions for any protests being organised. It is possible that non-residents will be refused entry into Shannon before, during and after Bush’s visit. It is very unlikely that protesters will be permitted to leave the dual carriageway and enter Shannon in buses, cars etc. Given the new road layout it is now impossible to enter Shannon without travelling on the dual carriageway (with the exception of one underpass at Newmarket). While the Gardai will not confirm any details of the security measures they intend to implement, the measures they have been taking all indicate that they do not intend to allow any protestors into Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus or the Dromoland/ Clare Inn area during the period of the security operation.

Those organising protests need to take this situation into account when drawing up their plans for protests during the Bush visit. It is unlikely that a peace camp will be permitted within the town boundaries and also very unlikely that any protestors will be allowed to gather in the Lidl car park in Shannon.