Protestors: 'No US forces at Knock Airport'

Anti-war protesters reacted angrily today to suggestions that Knock Airport could be opened to US military aircraft.

It is understood that the issue, which could potentially earn the Co Mayo airport millions, will be discussed at the next meeting of the board of directors.

The US military already lands at Shannon Airport. But that stopover is shrouded in controversy, with protesters claiming it is being used by the CIA for extraordinary rendition of suspected terrorists.

Roger Cole, spokesman for the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA), said it could result in a serious escalation of Irish support for war.

“We are clearly stating that as of 2003, from the initiation of the war in Iraq, in international law terms Ireland is no longer neutral,” he said.

“Shannon to date has been the largest single base for the US using it as a pit stop, there’s no other equivalent.”

Mr Cole said he was confident the people of Mayo would not support such an expansion at Knock.

And local independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley said: “There’s no possible way in the wide earthly world that I think people in Mayo would tolerate Knock airport being used for military flights.”

Between 3,000 and 5,000 US troops pass through Shannon every week.

The planes are not searched or inspected by gardaí, as the Government accepts the assurances given by the US authorities that no prisoners are carried through Ireland.

PANA are planning to gauge opinion on the issue of US use of Shannon through a nationwide poll in April.

It is understood that airline tycoon Ulick McEvaddy, who recently joined the board of Knock Airport, is to raise with directors the possibility of opening it up to US military flights.