Fake bomb breaches airport security

A REPLICA bomb, a gun and a knife concealed in a woman's underwear were among the items smuggled through security at Dublin Airport in an anti-terrorist audit yesterday.

Dublin Airport confirmed that an EU-sanctioned audit of security had been secretly conducted and a number of breaches were brought to the attention of the airport authorities.

The routine audit exposed serious deficiencies in security. A female inspector managed to conceal a knife in her underwear, while her male colleague stuffed a gun down his trousers.

Both weapons made it through security checks. In a more worrying test, a replica bomb was successfully smuggled through.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen has demanded a full report on the fiasco.

"I have been advised that during this audit, breaches of airport security were identified.

"My department immediately sought assurances from the Dublin Airport Authority that any security breaches identified were addressed with immediate effect.

"I have requested a full report on the matter from the Dublin Airport Authority and the relevant airline operators," he stated.

He added airport security is taken extremely seriously by the Government.

"My department awaits the conclusion of this audit and will scrutinise its findings carefully. As with all security audits, should the results require remedial action, such actions will be taken.

"For security reasons, it is not the policy to publicise the outcome of inspections or audits," he said.

In a statement, Dublin Airport said: "These issues were addressed with immediate effect and Dublin Airport is satisfied the safety and security of passengers has not been compromised. Dublin Airport continues to operate normally."

The audit was carried out by the European Civil Aviation Council (ECAC).

It liaises with the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the Council of Europe. It issues recommendations, resolutions and policy statements which are brought into effect by member states.

Fine Gael Transport spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said overcrowding at the airport was the principal factor and called for a review of security arrangements at all Irish airports.

"This is a massive security breach at our main airport. A breach of this nature could potentially have catastrophic results and will do nothing to inspire confidence among the travelling public," she said.