Record passenger numbers sees Revenue boost checks

INCREASING numbers of travellers using Irish airports have forced Revenue officers to boost their monitoring of passengers bringing personal items into the State.

Nearly 28 million people passed through airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon last year, three million more than in 2005. More than 80% of Revenue seizures were at Dublin Airport.

Adults bringing in goods valued at over €175 must declare them for tax. Only tax, duty and penalties amounting to €38,202 however, was collected from passengers arriving in Dublin from countries outside the EU, who declared goods or who were stopped and searched.