Military aircraft from US could land in Ireland

AMERICAN aircraft carrying arms or en route to a military operation could be granted permission to land in Ireland despite strict rules laid down in a 50-year law aimed at protecting the State’s neutrality.

The Government’s decision to allow exceptions to the law, introduced following the September 11 attacks last year, remains in place. Yet, according to Department of Foreign Affairs records, not one request for a waiver has been received by any government, including the US.

This is despite evidence that US soldiers on the way to Kuwait have stopped in Shannon. Late last month, more than 200 were stranded for a couple of days in Co Clare as they waited for their aircraft to be repaired. They are among thousands taking part in exercises in Kuwait.