Government must guarantee no weapons transit through Shannon – Councillor Ogbu
Government must guarantee no weapons transit through Shannon - Councillor Ogbu - The Labour Party
- Labour calls for inspections at Shannon Airport
Labour’s Councillor Helen Ogbu, the party’s candidate in the Galway West by-election, has today called on the Government to urgently guarantee that no weapons destined for the war in the Middle East are being transported through Shannon Airport or Irish airspace.
This comes following decisions by France and Italy to deny US and Israeli planes access to their airspace for the transport of weapons, and Spain’s earlier refusal to allow use of its bases, and has called for immediate inspections and full transparency from Government.
Cllr. Ogbu said:
“The war initiated by the US and Israel in the Middle East is illegal and has no UN mandate. It is serving only to spread death, instability and fear across the Gulf region and Lebanon, with devastating consequences for civilians.
“Ireland cannot allow its airspace or its airports to be used to provide logistical support for this war. The Government must take responsibility and act now to ensure that Shannon Airport is not being used, directly or indirectly, to facilitate the transport of weapons or munitions.
“France and Italy have taken a clear and principled stand by denying US and Israeli aircraft access to their airspace for the purposes of transporting weapons. Spain demonstrated similar leadership at the outset by refusing the use of its military bases. These are strong examples of European countries upholding international law and refusing to be complicit in the escalation of conflict.
“In contrast, the Irish Government has failed to provide clarity or reassurance to the public. There remains a serious and unanswered question as to whether Shannon Airport is being used as a transit point for military cargo linked to this war. Irish citizens have a right to know what is passing through our infrastructure and whether our neutrality is being undermined.
“Government must immediately introduce robust inspection regimes at Shannon Airport, particularly in relation to US military aircraft. There can be no blind eye turned to what is being transported or where it is ultimately destined. Transparency is essential, and anything less risks Ireland being drawn into complicity in an illegal war.
“Labour has long called for a complete ban on the use of Irish airspace and airports for the transport of weapons of war. This is a principled position rooted in our commitment to peace, neutrality and international law. The events of recent days only strengthen the case for such a ban.”