A senior garda said yesterday that Shannon airport will operate as normal this Saturday despite anti-war protesters planning a blockade of the airport.
Chief Supt Liam Quinn said he was reluctant to state how many gardaí will be on duty, but in line with previous protests at Shannon, Garda reinforcements are expected from throughout the Garda Western Division.
It is anticipated the protesters will not be allowed within 2km of the airport terminal and will be stopped by Garda barriers adjacent to the Drumgeely flat complex near the entrance to the airport. The last protest at Shannon in June failed to attract more than 100. However, chairman of the Irish Anti-War Movement Mr Richard Boyd Barrett said yesterday that he expects several hundred protesters on Saturday.
