Call for ‘immediate halt’ of weapons in Irish airspace

The Government has been asked to immediately halt the illegal transport of weapons to the Israeli Defence Forces through Irish airspace.

Sinn Fein's Stiofán Conaty highlighted the issue at the November meeting of Cavan County Council.

“The government has allowed dozens of flights to cross over sovereign Irish airspace knowing full well that the bombs, guns and missiles that are enroute to Israel are then being brought to Gaza to aid illegal occupation of that State,” fumed Cllr Conaty.

“These weapons are now being turned on our own soldiers as Israel threatens Irish-led UN Peacekeeping Missions in The Lebanon. Israel seems intent on starting a regional war and Ireland must have no hand, act or part in this murderous regime.

“We are being told that the government is concerned about this, yet it keeps happening. The Minister claimed he didn’t know what was happening but, when repeatedly warned in advance that more flights were scheduled and provided with all the necessary information, he did nothing to stop them," Cllr Conaty accused.

“People are totally disgusted by the illegal use of Shannon Airport and the illegal incursion through sovereign Irish airspace to carry the instruments of Israel’s campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, and the brutalisation of the surrounding Arab people. It must stop immediately.”

The notice of motion was seconded by Cllr Damien Brady (SF).