National Archives - 1975: Year of crisis, kidnapping and chaos

ELABORATE secret plans were drawn up in 1975 to cater for 100,000 refugees that the Government feared would flee from the North if the Troubles worsened.

Secret meetings were held with senior hospital and health officials, gardaí and defence experts, and blueprints were prepared on how such an influx would be accommodated, provided with medical care, and policed.

A covert survey of private properties was carried out and accommodation for 99,000 people identified, while the need for basic supplies such as blankets and powdered soup mix was quantified and priced.