US troop numbers arriving at Shannon soar 80%

The Irish Times reports a significant surge in US military personnel passing through Shannon Airport, directly correlating with the escalation of US military actions in Iran. These figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, reveal an almost 80% increase in troop numbers in March compared to January, highlighting Shannon's continued role as a key transit point for American forces.

Despite the Irish government's assertions that it is not facilitating US attacks by permitting overflights, peace and neutrality campaigners have long protested the use of Shannon by US forces. The recent increase in troop numbers and reported overflights, some of which were initially not disclosed due to administrative errors, has intensified scrutiny on Ireland's neutrality policy.

The article notes that while foreign governments must seek permission to transport weapons through Ireland, Irish authorities do not conduct inspections, and permission is rarely denied. This lack of oversight, coupled with the substantial increase in military transit, raises questions about the practical application of Ireland's neutrality in the face of international conflict.

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I think it’s a stretch by any yardstick to suggest that the Government is facilitating the war because of overflight. I don’t think that’s a sustainable proposition.