Liquids pour in as airport hikes security

UP to six wheelie bins full of fine wines, champagne, jars of honey and expensive cosmetics were confiscated at Dublin Airport as a result of new security measures implemented this week.

Alcohol products made up the bulk of goods confiscated following restriction on the carrying of liquids on planes. Travellers are forbidden to bring aboard such items as liquids, gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics exceeding 100ml.

The move has proved a call for supermarkets and shops to supply dedicated traveller products in 100ml-or less containers which adhere to the new EU flight regulations.

Dublin Airport spokeswoman Siobhan Moore said travellers should be using their thinking caps when packing for trips: “People need to be thinking smartly about this. What is 100mls or what is more than 100mls. It’s such a shame to hand over perfectly good items,” she said.

“Another concern has been passengers putting goods less than 100ml in the plastic bags provided, but then into their bags. They must be visible to security staff during checks,” she added.

Up to two dozen staff in pink tops are stationed around the airport notifying travellers of the changes, in order to reduce queues and delays at security checks.

“Supermarkets need to start thinking about setting up a dedicated travellers’ section for people going on holidays,” added the airport official.

Dublin Airport has decided to donate the surrendered drinks and items to a deserving charity.

The lucky recipients were revealed yesterday as the Carers Association, after an appeal for applicants by 2FM’s Gerry Ryan.

The association’s deputy chief executive Catherine Cox said: “We are very pleased.

“We hope to have an annual car boot sale or put the items in hampers,” she said, adding it was hoped thousands of euro for the organisation would be recouped from the donations.

Up to 50,000 people are full-time carers in Ireland, according to the group.

Meanwhile, Cork Airport yesterday followed suit with Dublin, saying it too would donate all confiscated sealed items to local charities, which have yet to be chosen.