The grounding of the Garda helicopter during the "Love Ulster" riots on O'Connell Street in Dublin last month had no impact on the security operation on the day, the head of the Garda press office has said.
Supt Kevin Donohoe disputed some media reports that a hoax call to An Garda Síochána had kept the helicopter away from the riots on O'Connell Street on the afternoon of Saturday, February 25th.
He said that on the day in question one of the two helicopters attached to the Garda Air Unit was grounded as it was undergoing a regular service required after 500 hours of flying time.
In a statement issued through the Garda press office he said a second helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft attached to the Garda Air Unit had both been deployed to "Love Ulster" parade duties. From 7am both aircraft provided surveillance cover for the convoy of coaches crossing the Border destined for the march in Dublin.
"The fixed-wing continued throughout the day to provide air support for the ground operation, utilising all its technical equipment on board," the statement said. "Some photographic and video footage from the fixed-wing has assisted in identifying some of those involved in the various public order incidents which occurred throughout the day."
