Armed detectives were on duty in Shannon airport last night following the second attack on a US aircraft by peace activists in a week.
The interim measure was expected to remain in place until tomorrow when armed soldiers are expected to be deployed to patrol the airport's perimeter fence in an effort to clamp down on embarrassing breaches of security.
The detectives, armed with Uzi machine guns, were patrolling in icy conditions the immediate vicinity of the old SRS hangar where a US navy cargo aircraft was attacked early yesterday. As they took up their positions, the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, visited Shannon airport and inspected the area where the recent security breaches had taken place.
Mr Byrne met military and Garda personnel and senior Aer Rianta staff for a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the security breaches. A major review of security at the airport was also discussed.
In Limerick yesterday evening, Mr Byrne said he had been "very concerned" about recent events at Shannon but promised increased vigilance.
"I think you can be sure there will be more enhanced levels of security in the very near future."
He added after having had discussions with the Army, gardaí and Aer Rianta personnel, "certain plans have been put in place".
"Whatever is required to enhance security we won't be found wanting and if we have to utilise other services or agencies we will do that."
With sleet falling at the airport last night the makeshift peace camp just outside the airport campus was not manned. Last week The Irish Times observed hundreds of troops in full combat dress enjoying duty free shopping in Shannon but no such scenes were witnessed yesterday.
At the time of yesterday's attack the US navy aircraft had been parked in the SRS hangar unfit to fly after €500,000 of damage was caused during a hatchet attack by one anti-war protester last week. Early yesterday five more protesters gained access to the hangar, reportedly overpowering a garda during the incident.
Gardaí said the five claimed to be from the pacifist Catholic Worker movement. They were protesting against the US military's use of Shannon as a stopover facility on their way to war in the Gulf.
The Labour Party said last night the latest incident at Shannon raised "very serious questions about security arrangements at the airport". While people had "every right to protest at the use of Shannon airport by US military aircraft . . . this should be done peacefully and in accordance with the law".
