Shannon Airport has 60 disinfectant mats around its environs, covering access points for vehicles, cargo and passenger areas. The airport manager, Mr Bob Goldfield, said the guidelines laid down by the Department of Agriculture were being followed exactly.
Mr Tom Bracken, the Department's veterinary officer in charge of the airport, said it had the same status as a Border inspection post. "We have had to vamp it up a little bit in the light of the news in Northern Ireland. That is not to say we were not on a high plane but the situation in the North is rather frightening."
His team also inspects the ports of Limerick and Foynes, along with the jetties in the inner estuary area. At Shannon, three full-time inspectors concentrate on passengers and goods.
An announcement on the foot-and-mouth crisis is made on incoming planes and passengers hear it again in the baggage hall, and there are leaflets available. Passengers pass through two rings of mats, one at the entrance to the baggage area, the other at the entrance to the public area. Golfers receive special treatment. Their clubs are disinfected and they are requested to check if they are carrying old clothing or footwear with them.
The officers have powers to restrict people to certain areas of the State, such as Shannon town or Limerick city, if they feel there is a danger of contamination. "Our instructions are if there is any problem, to call the guards or the airport police," said Mr Bracken.