Two Fact Sheets from PANA
The Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA) was founded in 1996 to advocate the right of the Irish people to have their own independent foreign policy with positive neutrality as its key component, pursued through the United Nations.
Set out below are two fact sheets on PANA's two core issues, opposing Irish participation in an EU army and the use of Shannon Airport by the US (or any other) army in breach of the Hague Convention. Neutral states cannot allow their territory to be used by other states as a transit point for their armed forces to or from wars.
FACTSHEET
The Road to the EU Army
“We need a true European Army to protect the continent - with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America.”
President Emmanuel Macron, Agence France-Presse, 7/11/2018
“There should be a true, real European Army” and “Called for qualified majority voting to replace unanimity on defence initiatives.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel, Politico, 14/11/18
“The CIA provided 53% of the finance for the European Movements in 1958.”
President Emmanuel Macron, Agence France-Presse, 7/11/2018
“There should be a true, real European Army” and “Called for qualified majority voting to replace unanimity on defence initiatives.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel, Politico, 14/11/18
“The CIA provided 53% of the finance for the European Movements in 1958.”
Daily Telegraph, 27/4/2017
The road to the creation of a European Union with its own army has its roots in the Cold War and has long been supported by the US and its NATO allies. This Factsheet outlines the major steps towards its formation and its links with NATO.
The road to the creation of a European Union with its own army has its roots in the Cold War and has long been supported by the US and its NATO allies. This Factsheet outlines the major steps towards its formation and its links with NATO.
May 1945
The unconditional surrender of the German Nazi European Empire to the Allies, {the USA, USSR & the British Empire} and the start of the Cold War.
The unconditional surrender of the German Nazi European Empire to the Allies, {the USA, USSR & the British Empire} and the start of the Cold War.
September 1948
Establishment of the Western Union, which includes a common defence clause by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK, later the Western European Union in 1954.
April 1949 Foundation of NATO by the US and 11 European States with its common defence clause Article 5 and its commitment to first use of nuclear weapons. Greece & Turkey joined in 1952, West Germany in 1955, (leading to the formation of the USSR-dominated Warsaw Pact), Spain 1982.
The purported reasons for NATO’s formation was to deter an invasion by the USSR; prevent the rise of nationalist militarism; and encourage European political integration (NATO website).
The purported reasons for NATO’s formation was to deter an invasion by the USSR; prevent the rise of nationalist militarism; and encourage European political integration (NATO website).
May 1950
France proposed to pool French and West German coal and steel resources. May 9 now marks ‘Europe Day’.
France proposed to pool French and West German coal and steel resources. May 9 now marks ‘Europe Day’.
June 1952
Belgium, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Luxembourg & the Netherlands establish the European Coal & Steel Community.
January 1958
The six countries establish the EEC with the clause ‘Ever Closer Union’.
The six countries establish the EEC with the clause ‘Ever Closer Union’.
January 1963
France vetoes UK membership of the EEC. The US had objected to Ireland’s membership because it was not in NATO when it was also considering joining the EEC.
January 1966
EEC agrees unanimity rule where vital national interests are at stake.
France vetoes UK membership of the EEC. The US had objected to Ireland’s membership because it was not in NATO when it was also considering joining the EEC.
January 1966
EEC agrees unanimity rule where vital national interests are at stake.
June 1966
France leaves the military structures of NATO because of the concerns over US domination and all foreign troops leave France.
France leaves the military structures of NATO because of the concerns over US domination and all foreign troops leave France.
January 1973
Denmark, Ireland and the UK formally join the EEC. The Norwegian people had, via a referendum, rejected a proposal to join. In the referendum on EEC membership held in 1972 the result was: Yes - 83%, No 17%. The Irish Government White Paper had said Irish Neutrality had not been affected.
Denmark, Ireland and the UK formally join the EEC. The Norwegian people had, via a referendum, rejected a proposal to join. In the referendum on EEC membership held in 1972 the result was: Yes - 83%, No 17%. The Irish Government White Paper had said Irish Neutrality had not been affected.
July 1987
Single European Act comes into force mentioning a joint European Foreign Policy. In Ireland the Irish Supreme Court, in the Crotty Judgement, ruled that as power over Irish Foreign Policy was being transferred away from the Irish people, from whom all power derives (Article 6 of the Irish Constitution) there had to be a referendum. Ireland becomes unique in the EU, in that every time power is transferred from the Irish people to the EU there is a legal obligation to hold a referendum. Result of the referendum on ratification of the Single European Act was 70% yes, 30% no.
Single European Act comes into force mentioning a joint European Foreign Policy. In Ireland the Irish Supreme Court, in the Crotty Judgement, ruled that as power over Irish Foreign Policy was being transferred away from the Irish people, from whom all power derives (Article 6 of the Irish Constitution) there had to be a referendum. Ireland becomes unique in the EU, in that every time power is transferred from the Irish people to the EU there is a legal obligation to hold a referendum. Result of the referendum on ratification of the Single European Act was 70% yes, 30% no.
1988-1991 -
Collapse of the USSR. The disintegration of the USSR and the Warsaw Pact (March 1991) included promises to Russia by the USA that NATO (apart from East Germany which merged with West Germany) would not expand eastward.
The road to the creation of a European Union with its own Army has its roots in the Cold War and has long been supported by the US and its NATO allies. This Factsheet outlines the major steps towards its formation and its links with NATO.
1999-2017
Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro join NATO.
Collapse of the USSR. The disintegration of the USSR and the Warsaw Pact (March 1991) included promises to Russia by the USA that NATO (apart from East Germany which merged with West Germany) would not expand eastward.
The road to the creation of a European Union with its own Army has its roots in the Cold War and has long been supported by the US and its NATO allies. This Factsheet outlines the major steps towards its formation and its links with NATO.
1999-2017
Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro join NATO.
1999-2017
Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic Slovenia, North Macedonia, Cyprus and Malta join the EU.
Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic Slovenia, North Macedonia, Cyprus and Malta join the EU.
November 1993
Denmark, by referendum, rejects the Maastricht Treaty and gains a number of legally binding Protocols. One significant protocol was that Denmark was excluded from joining the militarization of the EU before signing it.
Denmark, by referendum, rejects the Maastricht Treaty and gains a number of legally binding Protocols. One significant protocol was that Denmark was excluded from joining the militarization of the EU before signing it.
December 1996
PANA is founded following a meeting in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. In every subsequent Treaty debate PANA has campaigned for a similar Protocol to be applied to Ireland.
PANA is founded following a meeting in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. In every subsequent Treaty debate PANA has campaigned for a similar Protocol to be applied to Ireland.
April 1997 Irish troops deployed on NATO-led missions in Europe.
March-June 1999
NATO war on Yugoslavia. Kosovo becomes a separate state. Major US/NATO base (Bondsteel) built in Kosovo.
NATO war on Yugoslavia. Kosovo becomes a separate state. Major US/NATO base (Bondsteel) built in Kosovo.
1999
NATO’s Partnership for Peace founded. Ireland joins NATO’s PfP without a promised referendum.
May 1999
NATO’s Partnership for Peace founded. Ireland joins NATO’s PfP without a promised referendum.
May 1999
Amsterdam Treaty
PANA campaigned against the Amsterdam Treaty seeking to ensure a Protocol similar to that achieved by the Danes, to exclude Ireland from the militarization of the EU. Result 62% yes 38% no. PANA and affiliated groups dominated the No campaign.
2001/2 Nice Treaty I and Nice Treaty II
PANA again campaigns for a No vote on the same basis as Amsterdam and, in the first referendum, won with a 54% versus 46% result. In the second referendum the Nice Treaty was passed 63% to 37%.
February 2003
PANA again campaigns for a No vote on the same basis as Amsterdam and, in the first referendum, won with a 54% versus 46% result. In the second referendum the Nice Treaty was passed 63% to 37%.
February 2003
Bill to enshrine Neutrality into the Constitution defeated in the Dáil by Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael alliance, despite the fact that over 150,000 marched against the Iraq war in Dublin and Belfast.
2001-2019
Shannon Airport.
The Irish Government destroys the policy of neutrality (as set down in International Law through the 1907 Hague Convention) by allowing over three million US troops land in Ireland to take part in perpetual wars of the US.
July 2004
Ireland joins the newly established European Defense Agency.
Ireland joins the newly established European Defense Agency.
2007-2019
EU Battle Groups
Ireland participates in the EU Battle Groups which are heavily armed military formations of 1,500-3,000 troops, operational for six months.
EU Battle Groups
Ireland participates in the EU Battle Groups which are heavily armed military formations of 1,500-3,000 troops, operational for six months.
Two Battle Groups can operate at any one time and are able to go to war anywhere in the world with a mere 5-15 days’ notice. Each Battle Group needs nine back-up troops for every one soldier at war which aggregates out to a 50,000 strong EU army.
2001 – 2005
Draft European Constitution
The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe was signed in Rome on October 29 2004, following planning which had gone on since December 2001.
Draft European Constitution
The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe was signed in Rome on October 29 2004, following planning which had gone on since December 2001.
However, in May 2005 the French people rejected the treaty by 55% to 45% on a referendum turnout of 69% and, in June, the Dutch people rejected the treaty by 61% to 39% on a turnout of 62%.
2007
Lisbon Treaty
Lisbon Treaty
After these referendum defeats the draft EU constitution was withdrawn and repackaged as the Lisbon Treaty. The Lisbon Treaty was adopted by EU heads of state in December 2007, but now, only in Ireland will the people decide the issue by referendum.
2008 - 2009
Lisbon Treaty Referendum
I & II
In June 2008 the Lisbon Treaty is defeated in the first referendum, 53.4% to 46.6%.
2008 - 2009
Lisbon Treaty Referendum
I & II
In June 2008 the Lisbon Treaty is defeated in the first referendum, 53.4% to 46.6%.
In October 2009 the Lisbon Treaty is accepted, 67% to 33%, in a second referendum.
In December 2009 the Lisbon Treaty enters force.
The Lisbon Treaty: allows groups of EU states to establish Permanent Military Formations via PESCO; agrees Common Defence (war) provisions; creates an EU Foreign/Defence Minister with Foreign/Defence Department. This treaty provides the legal foundations of an EU Army for an EU Empire.
2011
War on Libya
NATO, led by the US/UK/France and with the involvement of fourteen other EU/NATO states plus Sweden, deliberately destroys Libya creating a massive refugee crisis in Europe and elsewhere.
War on Libya
NATO, led by the US/UK/France and with the involvement of fourteen other EU/NATO states plus Sweden, deliberately destroys Libya creating a massive refugee crisis in Europe and elsewhere.
2011-2019
War on Syria
The allies and US go to war with Syria, provide military equipment to terrorists, and the EU imposes an economic boycott, leading to another massive wave of refugees.
2013-2020
In 2013 Ireland joins the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali and not the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). In 2018 EUTM was again extended to at least May 2020. The government is now considering sending the elite Army Rangers Corps to Mali.
2017
Further EU Militarisation
In 2013 Ireland joins the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali and not the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). In 2018 EUTM was again extended to at least May 2020. The government is now considering sending the elite Army Rangers Corps to Mali.
2017
Further EU Militarisation
Ireland supports the establishment of Military HQ, signs up to PESCO, the European Defence Fund, and Operation Sophia. MEPs from Fine Gael vote to increase EU-wide military expenditure to 2% of GDP. In Ireland’s case this means an increase from 0.3% to 2% or, in money terms, an increase from €946 m to €3 billion.
From 2021 to 2027 a budget of €13Bn is proposed for EU military funding. There is another so-called ‘Peace Facility’ of €10.5 billion currently in the pipeline to provide weapons to non-EU countries. June 2018. The EU Parliament, including all Fine Gael members, vote 441-182 with 57 abstentions, to ensure that the EU and NATO act in a ‘truly coordinated’ manner.
November 2018
European Military Intervention Force
Ten states, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the UK agree to establish an army, outside EU structures, to invade other countries.
European Military Intervention Force
Ten states, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the UK agree to establish an army, outside EU structures, to invade other countries.
2019
Ireland supports the EU/NATO Status of Forces Agreement
2019
Venezuela
The US and many EU states, including the UK, France, Spain and Ireland, in total contravention of international law, recognize Juan Guaido (who never even stood for President) as President of Venezuela. This powerful grouping has also imposed sanctions in preparation for supporting yet another war. The coming war on Venezuela is ensuring the EU becomes a global military force.
FACTSHEET
US Military Operations and Shannon Airport
(Ireland)
(Ireland)
“Part of the US military conveyor-belt of death”
Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector in Iraq speaking about Shannon Airport (July 2003)
“The use of Shannon Airport by the US military is directly linked with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a region that has been destabilised and devastated beyond recognition by US military activity.”
Mick Wallace TD, Dáil Éireann (October 2014)
“If Shannon was being used by any other group to cause the type of damage that the 2.25 million US troops that have passed through Shannon have caused, then the US would rightly identify it as a target.”
“The use of Shannon Airport by the US military is directly linked with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a region that has been destabilised and devastated beyond recognition by US military activity.”
Mick Wallace TD, Dáil Éireann (October 2014)
“If Shannon was being used by any other group to cause the type of damage that the 2.25 million US troops that have passed through Shannon have caused, then the US would rightly identify it as a target.”
Dr Tom Clonan, Security Analyst, Ennis Court (February 2015) US Military Operations and Shannon Airport
22(Ireland)
August 1990
At the start of the Gulf War, civilian flights carrying US troops on their way to the Gulf were permitted to land at Shannon. This continued up to the end of February 1991.
22(Ireland)
August 1990
At the start of the Gulf War, civilian flights carrying US troops on their way to the Gulf were permitted to land at Shannon. This continued up to the end of February 1991.
The war was waged by coalition forces from 35 nations, led by the US. It was in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
October 2001
Following the passing of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1368 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fail) conveyed to the US Secretary of State that normal conditions for overflight and landing of US military aircraft would be waived by Ireland. As a result, US troops were permitted to transit through Shannon on their way to Afghanistan. Resolution 1368 was intended to combat threats to international peace and security in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. The US misused it to claim legitimacy for its invasion of Afghanistan.
Following the passing of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1368 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fail) conveyed to the US Secretary of State that normal conditions for overflight and landing of US military aircraft would be waived by Ireland. As a result, US troops were permitted to transit through Shannon on their way to Afghanistan. Resolution 1368 was intended to combat threats to international peace and security in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. The US misused it to claim legitimacy for its invasion of Afghanistan.
Despite a High Court ruling in Dubsky vs Government of Ireland that the military operation in Afghanistan could not be considered a war, the claim by President George W. Bush that the mission was “to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime” indicated otherwise. Irish support for unilateral US military action in Afghanistan at that time demonstrated a serious disregard for international institutions.
November 2001
The first protests at the use of Shannon Airport by US planes involved in the war in Afghanistan took place.
The first protests at the use of Shannon Airport by US planes involved in the war in Afghanistan took place.
December 2002
A briefing document prepared by the security policy section of the Department of Foreign Affairs stated that foreign military aircraft were only permitted to use Irish airspace or landing facilities if they are unarmed and carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and do not engage in intelligence gathering.
This condition has been repeated by every government since.
A briefing document prepared by the security policy section of the Department of Foreign Affairs stated that foreign military aircraft were only permitted to use Irish airspace or landing facilities if they are unarmed and carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and do not engage in intelligence gathering.
This condition has been repeated by every government since.
January 2003
Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen (Fianna Fail) confirmed that Shannon was being used by the US military, and that troops travelling on civilian aircraft are “sometimes accompanied by their personal weapons”. These are military contracted aircraft and as such are technically not classified as
military aircraft.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen (Fianna Fail) confirmed that Shannon was being used by the US military, and that troops travelling on civilian aircraft are “sometimes accompanied by their personal weapons”. These are military contracted aircraft and as such are technically not classified as
military aircraft.
The Minister also confirmed that US troops were permitted to wear uniforms in the transit areas of Irish airports.
February 2003
Approximately 100,000 people gathered in Dublin on 15th February to oppose the impending US led invasion of Iraq. As with Afghanistan, this further example of the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war has been widely criticised as lacking the authority of the UNSC and being in breach of international law.
Approximately 100,000 people gathered in Dublin on 15th February to oppose the impending US led invasion of Iraq. As with Afghanistan, this further example of the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war has been widely criticised as lacking the authority of the UNSC and being in breach of international law.
The use of Shannon Airport as a stopover for US troops was a huge reason for the size of the Dublin march.
March 2003
Dáil Éireann effectively agreed to participate in the US invasion of Iraq by supporting the Government’s decision to maintain what it called “long standing arrangements for the overflight and landing of United States military aircraft”. This was misleading as such overflights and landing facilities were previously granted only on a very limited basis and were never intended for participation in war.
Dáil Éireann effectively agreed to participate in the US invasion of Iraq by supporting the Government’s decision to maintain what it called “long standing arrangements for the overflight and landing of United States military aircraft”. This was misleading as such overflights and landing facilities were previously granted only on a very limited basis and were never intended for participation in war.
As the Bush administration was preparing to attack Iraq, it was becoming increasingly clear that it was doing so on the basis of flawed allegations against Saddam Hussein. These allegations had been challenged, and in some cases disproved, by the United Nations, European governments and even US
intelligence reports.
The erosion of Irish neutrality is inextricably linked to the daily use of Shannon Airport by the US military for almost two decades. It is effectively a forward operating base used to support their operations in the Middle East, with approximately three million US troops and their weapons, regular US Air Force/Navy cargo planes, and an unknown number of CIA extraordinary rendition flights passing through since 2002.
Two Articles of the Irish Constitution have been repeatedly and consistently undermined through this misuse of a civilian airport. Article 28.3.1 says war shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war save with the assent of Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament). Article 29 affirms the State’s devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality, and its adherence to the principles of the peaceful settlement of international disputes by international arbitration or judicial determination. Despite this, Shannon has provided direct support for ground offensives and bombing campaigns, and has been complicit in the deaths and displacement of millions of people.
April 2003
A High Court judgement in Horgan vs. An Taoiseach et al. stated that by allowing US troops to use Shannon Airport on their way to and from the war in Iraq, Ireland was in breach of the Hague Convention (V) Respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land.
intelligence reports.
The erosion of Irish neutrality is inextricably linked to the daily use of Shannon Airport by the US military for almost two decades. It is effectively a forward operating base used to support their operations in the Middle East, with approximately three million US troops and their weapons, regular US Air Force/Navy cargo planes, and an unknown number of CIA extraordinary rendition flights passing through since 2002.
Two Articles of the Irish Constitution have been repeatedly and consistently undermined through this misuse of a civilian airport. Article 28.3.1 says war shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war save with the assent of Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament). Article 29 affirms the State’s devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality, and its adherence to the principles of the peaceful settlement of international disputes by international arbitration or judicial determination. Despite this, Shannon has provided direct support for ground offensives and bombing campaigns, and has been complicit in the deaths and displacement of millions of people.
April 2003
A High Court judgement in Horgan vs. An Taoiseach et al. stated that by allowing US troops to use Shannon Airport on their way to and from the war in Iraq, Ireland was in breach of the Hague Convention (V) Respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land.
However, with regard to Article 28 of the Constitution, the ruling stated that the Court could not, without proof of quite exceptional circumstances, accept the contention that it should decide what constitutes participation in a war.
2005
At its peak there were on average over 6,500 US troops a week plus their weapons passing through the Shannon Airport, as well as contracted cargo planes and other military aircraft.
At its peak there were on average over 6,500 US troops a week plus their weapons passing through the Shannon Airport, as well as contracted cargo planes and other military aircraft.
April 2006
Amnesty International reported that US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) aircraft involved in extraordinary rendition had landed and refuelled at Shannon Airport repeatedly in the previous five years. Extraordinary rendition involved the forcible kidnapping of individuals by the US or its proxies, and their transfer to a secret prison in another State where they were tortured, with no recourse to the courts or to lawyers or to any protection of their human rights.
Two months later a Council of Europe report by Swiss Senator Dick Marty identified Ireland as one of 14 European states that colluded in rendition. The Government insisted that no prisoners passed through Shannon Airport on the rendition flights. The basis for such a claim is highly questionable given the lack of inspection of suspected rendition aircraft at the airport.
No investigation was undertaken by the government at the time, or by any Irish government since. They claimed to have diplomatic assurances from the US administration that Irish airports were not being used by the CIA for rendition flights. Despite a series of written requests from the Irish Human Rights
Commission these assurances were never produced.
Commission these assurances were never produced.
July 2006
A group of 5 Catholic Workers known as the Pitstop Ploughshares who made their way into Shannon Airport and damaged a United States Navy C-40 transport aircraft in February 2003 were finally acquitted after 2 mistrials. They were acquitted on the basis that they were acting to save lives and
property in Iraq and Ireland.
January 2008
Local peace and human rights activist group Shannonwatch started monthly vigils at the airport to protest against its use by the US military. These have been running ever since.
September 2009
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin (Fianna Fail) confirmed that US officers of military rank are permanently based at Shannon Airport. Their role is to assist with the transit of US government or government-contracted flights carrying US government officials, civilian and military personnel and cargo through the airport. The arrangement was in operation since 2003 and was done without Oireachtas approval.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin (Fianna Fail) confirmed that US officers of military rank are permanently based at Shannon Airport. Their role is to assist with the transit of US government or government-contracted flights carrying US government officials, civilian and military personnel and cargo through the airport. The arrangement was in operation since 2003 and was done without Oireachtas approval.
March 2010
At the annual presentation of shamrock to the US President by the Taoiseach Brian Cowan on St Patrick’s Day, President Barrack Obama thanked the Irish Government for allowing US troops to stop off at Shannon Airport on their way to and from Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the annual presentation of shamrock to the US President by the Taoiseach Brian Cowan on St Patrick’s Day, President Barrack Obama thanked the Irish Government for allowing US troops to stop off at Shannon Airport on their way to and from Iraq and Afghanistan.
August 2012
Seventeen months after presenting two wheelbarrows of information to the Gardai (police), Shannonwatch received a brief half-page response that said “No evidence has been uncovered by the Gardai which indicate [sic] any alleged breach of Irish & International laws resulting from the transit of armed U.S. troops & CIA associated aircraft in connection with wars and military aggression in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, and in connection with unlawful detention and torture of prisoners at Guantanamo prison and elsewhere”.
The dismissal of a large volume of material outlining breaches of the laws of aviation, humanitarianism, human rights and neutrality at Shannon was a disappointing indictment of Irish complicity in US wars of aggression and occupation, particularly in the Middle East.
September 2013
A side-mounted 30mm cannon photographed on a United States Air Force (USAF) AC-130W Hercules turbo-prop aircraft at Shannon on Sept 5 was described by the Fine Gael/Labour government as an “administrative error”. The aircraft was specifically modified to include a precision strike package
for close air support missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A side-mounted 30mm cannon photographed on a United States Air Force (USAF) AC-130W Hercules turbo-prop aircraft at Shannon on Sept 5 was described by the Fine Gael/Labour government as an “administrative error”. The aircraft was specifically modified to include a precision strike package
for close air support missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The government continued to claim that US military aircraft landing at Shannon are unarmed and carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and do not engage in intelligence gathering.
Meanwhile a Red C poll commissioned by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA) found that 78% of Irish people support a policy of Irish neutrality.
July 2014
TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace were arrested at Shannon Airport after attempting to search two US military planes. In explaining why they took this action, Mick Wallace said because the authorities won’t search the planes to find out if there are weapons on board “people like us have to do it”.
TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace were arrested at Shannon Airport after attempting to search two US military planes. In explaining why they took this action, Mick Wallace said because the authorities won’t search the planes to find out if there are weapons on board “people like us have to do it”.
2015
The official count of US troops that passed through Shannon Airport since 2002 exceeded 2.5 million. These troops were all on US military contracted aircraft operated by companies like Omni Air International. They did not include special operations forces on Hercules C-130 and other military transport aircraft passing through Shannon.
January 2017
Shannon (and Dublin) Airport began operating US President Trump’s ban on people from seven Muslim countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) entering the US. The ban breached international refugee law, which requires the international community to take in war refugees
on humanitarian grounds.
US immigration preclearance facilities have been in operation at Dublin and Shannon airports for many years. As a result, Ireland is one of the few countries in the world where passengers travelling to the US can clear immigration at the point of departure rather than when they arrive in the country. On the advice of the Attorney General the government claimed that the Irish authorities had no jurisdiction over the implementation of the policies at US immigration pre-clearance facilities on Irish soil (despite the fact that they breached international law).
March 2019
Two members of Veterans for Peace, Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff, were arrested after going onto the airfield at Shannon Airport to demand that the Gardai inspect a US military contracted plane believed to be carrying troops and weapons. After being detained in Limerick Prison for 11 days, their passports were confiscated by the State, forcing them to remain in Ireland without trial for over 8 months.
May 2019
In an exit poll conducted for RTÉ and TG4 during the local and European Parliament elections, 82% of voters polled said Ireland should remain a neutral country in all aspects.
Two members of Veterans for Peace, Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff, were arrested after going onto the airfield at Shannon Airport to demand that the Gardai inspect a US military contracted plane believed to be carrying troops and weapons. After being detained in Limerick Prison for 11 days, their passports were confiscated by the State, forcing them to remain in Ireland without trial for over 8 months.
May 2019
In an exit poll conducted for RTÉ and TG4 during the local and European Parliament elections, 82% of voters polled said Ireland should remain a neutral country in all aspects.
March 2020
US troops transiting through Shannon Airport were directed to remain on board their aircraft as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless Omni Air International troop carriers continued to make regular stops at Shannon on their way to and from the US, the Middle East, and European countries including
Bulgaria and Poland. A new coalition government made up of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party continued to permit the US military to use Shannon Airport.
It is estimated that over 3 million US troops have gone through Shannon Airport since 2002. The exact figure is unknown as figures are only supplied for military contracted flights (technically classified as “civil”). Since these aircraft have the troop’s personal weapons on board, the flights must be given prior permission to land by the Minister for Transport. Permits must also be given for flights carrying weapons through Irish airspace.
US troops transiting through Shannon Airport were directed to remain on board their aircraft as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless Omni Air International troop carriers continued to make regular stops at Shannon on their way to and from the US, the Middle East, and European countries including
Bulgaria and Poland. A new coalition government made up of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party continued to permit the US military to use Shannon Airport.
It is estimated that over 3 million US troops have gone through Shannon Airport since 2002. The exact figure is unknown as figures are only supplied for military contracted flights (technically classified as “civil”). Since these aircraft have the troop’s personal weapons on board, the flights must be given prior permission to land by the Minister for Transport. Permits must also be given for flights carrying weapons through Irish airspace.
The US military account for well over 90% of all flights requesting permits to carry munitions through Irish airspace and airports. In addition to the US troop
carriers using Shannon, aircraft operated directly by the US Air Force and Navy also land there. In 2017 the official figure forUS military aircraft landings at
Shannon was 402 (an average of more than one/day).
carriers using Shannon, aircraft operated directly by the US Air Force and Navy also land there. In 2017 the official figure forUS military aircraft landings at
Shannon was 402 (an average of more than one/day).
Year/Number of troops
through Shannon
on military
contracted planes/Permits issued
for the carriage
of munitions
of war
2002/73,000
2003/122,000
2004/159,000
2005/341,000
2006/281,000
2007/263,000/ 1495
2008/256,000/1359
2009 265,000/1276
2010 229,000/1307
2011 250,000/1382
2012 101,108/807
2013 69,840/693
2014 55,405/584
2015 63,549/812
2016 48,648 813
2017 60,968/919
2018 93,852/1054
2019 86,653/1075
While it’s not possible to
identify the number of
deaths linked to troops
and equipment that
passed through Shannon
this century, a November
2019 report by Professors
Neta C. Crawford and
Catherine Lutz of the Costs
of War project estimated
the number of direct war
deaths in Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and
Yemen post 9/11 as
between 770,000 and
801,000. This does not
include indirect deaths,
such as those caused by
loss of access to food and
water, war-related disease,
displacement, etc. The part
played by Shannon Airport
in the wars that caused
these deaths is in direct
contravention of the State’s
claims to promote peace,
stability and human rights.
Shannonwatch
Shannonwatch campaigns to end the US military use of Shannon Airport and to demand accountability for the
airport’s complicity in human rights abuse and war. It opposes the participation of Ireland in all regional military
alliances and structures, including those of the EU and NATO. It holds peace demonstrations at Shannon Airport
on the second Sunday of every month from 2 to 3pm.
Contact: Shannonwatch, PO Box 476, Limerick DSU, Dock Road, Limerick, Ireland
Tel: (+353) (0)87 8225087 Email shannonwatch@gmail.com Website: www.shannonwatch.org.
Peace and Neutrality Alliance
The Peace & Neutrality Alliance campaigns for the right of the Irish people to have their own independent foreign policy, with positive neutrality as a key component, pursued primarily through a reformed United Nations. Contact: PANA, Dalkey Business Centre, 17 Castle Street, Co. Dublin, Ireland, Tel: (+353) (0)1 2351512, Email: info@pana.ie, Website: www.pana.ie
