Further Update on security measures in Shannon
national |
anti-war / imperialism |
news report 
Friday May 28, 2004 21:12
by Dominic Haugh - Socialist Party
As the date of the Bush visit draws closer more details of the security measures are coming to light. These security measures need to be taken into account in organising protests during the Bush visit. If anyone requires further information I will periodically reply to questions here and will post further updates as they become available.
Garda spotter planes have been reported as over-flying Shannon for a number of days this week apparently taking detailed photographs of the town and its environs.
It is also reported that over 5,000 Gardai will be on duty in Shannon and Dromoland backed up by 1,500 troops. Apparently there will be several hundred in riot gear. Water-cannon, inflatable boats, large numbers of paddy wagons, spotter planes and helicopters will be on stand-by. US Secret Service and CIA operatives will also be involved in the security operation.
It is now very likely that the Gardai will place road-blocks at all the exits off the dual carriage way into Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Dromoland. The has also been reports of Gardai considering blocking off some rural back roads around Newmarket for the duration of the visit. Local media is also reporting that the Gardai will be issuing passes to local residents to get through road-blocks around the town. It is questionable as to whether this will happen as it is a considerable logistic effort, but it does appear that all the details collected will be used on the road-blocks around Shannon. All of these road-blocks will be at least 1 mile from the town.
Many local businesses are considering shutting down for the duration of the visit as they do not expect any customers to be around. Local factories have been advised to tell their workers to leave up to two hours earlier for work to compensate for traffic delays.
Given that these security measures are at least what the State intends to implement it is bound to have considerable repercussions for any protests being organised. It is possible that non-residents will be refused entry into Shannon before, during and after Bush’s visit. It is very unlikely that protesters will be permitted to leave the dual carriageway and enter Shannon in buses, cars etc. Given the new road layout it is now impossible to enter Shannon without travelling on the dual carriageway (with the exception of one underpass at Newmarket). While the Gardai will not confirm any details of the security measures they intend to implement, the measures they have been taking all indicate that they do not intend to allow any protestors into Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus or the Dromoland/ Clare Inn area during the period of the security operation.
Those organising protests need to take this situation into account when drawing up their plans for protests during the Bush visit. It is unlikely that a peace camp will be permitted within the town boundaries and also very unlikely that any protestors will be allowed to gather in the Lidl car park in Shannon.
Comments (16 of 16)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16it sounds like we're wasting our time
A further update.....
From information received today it appears that the Gardai intend issuing stickers to all vehicles in Shannon. Any vehicle without a sticker attempting to enter Shannon during the Bush visit will be searched, occupants requested to show proof of identity and purpose of visit to Shannon. It is questionable how reliable this information is but it would be consistant with measures already taken. When asked the Gardai again refused to confirm any details of the security operation.
We have also heard that a large wedding reception is due to take place in Dromoland Castle on the afternoon of 26th of June. What implications this may have in terms of whether the summit will actually take place at Dromoland is unclear. Bush is due to leave (apparently) by noon, this wedding reception is due to begin in the late afternoon.
Dominic's information is accurate and we've already factored all these possibilities into our plans.
As far as Anti-War Ireland is concerned, we have the right to peaceful assembly and protest in Shannon town. It is up to the Garda whether or not they intend to trample on our civil rights by banning the march. If they do this, we have a backup plan, but as far as we are concerned we have the right to protest in Shannon and we will continue to press that point. We will not assume that we are banned before it actually happens.
Incidentally, we now know that Bush will land at Shannon airport just after 8pm. This is a certainty, and he has actually cancelled an event he was to attend that day in Cape Cod in order to facilitate this. Our information comes directly from the White House press advisors (via a circuitious route).
Consequently, the Anti-War Ireland demonstration will now assemble in Shannon town centre at 7pm.
All interested are requested to also assemble at 7 pm with the main demonstration. Make sure that you bring a mask or balaclava and to help us to move in a coherent manner, dress in black. If possible come with friends.
The media are instructed to stay at least 15 feet away from the Bloc at all times. Others may not mind being photographed but we do. When the Padded Bloc is passing all photograhers must in their own interests move back.
Maybe in the interests of holding a non violent protest the Padded Bloc should assemble apart from the main group.
Also photographers and journalists have a right to photograph anyone who turns up at a demonstration without fear of attack from masked protesters as is hinted at by the above post
The call above looks very much like shit-stirring to me. It does not read like a black block call at all. Somebody is trying to cause splits between those who dress in black and those who don't. Treat with caution.
I reckon its the Men In Black who are causing the splits. How many activists think its a good idea to mask up on demos, not very many going on the number who actually wear masks. Why do you think the calls a fake. It just seems to reflect the men MIBs attitude to the press
Call For A Padded Bloc
by B Bloc Monday, May 31 2004, 2:06pm
UCD Left
by VB Monday, May 31 2004, 2:22pm
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=65273
Chekov
by Punter Monday, May 31 2004, 2:29pm
Look at him go...
Or is that "B Bloc" or "VB" or "NVDA"?
Compare the comment above with previous calls for a padded block - not very similar is it? No mention of goals, reasons or any of the important stuff, just a repeat of the nonsense about journalists.
Now, compare the comment above with the type of thing that "VB", "NVDA" and "Punter" have been writing on the site for the last week or so - looks much more similar doesn't it?
Since somebody is very clearly trying to cause splits here and ensure as much hostile media coverage as possible, I'd advise any of our readers to assume that any comments about black blocks that are not corroborated by an identifiable source with extreme scepticism.
Do you think that anyone who disagrees with you is an agent of a foreign power? Do you check under your bed for Trots every night maybe you should check the wardrobe as well.
Why dont you deal with the issues raised instead of being paranoid about every comment and question. Can you not accept that some of us out there dont like your mates in the Black Bloc and think that protests would be better without masked idiots? That doent mean that you rule out all direct action just that you go along with whats agreed with at the organising meetings. You dont have to wear a mask to breach a fence. Most who do so dont hide their faces.
Mary Kelly and the CW5 certainly never felt the need to wear masks.
Pundit it is interesting that you should raise the question as to whether or not you are a trot because I didn't.
the specific refference to the media without any more details is so obviously
"How many activists think its a good idea to mask up on demos,"not my way of doing things but i don't mind if others do...
Orange boilersuits anyone?
.
No informed Black Blocer would tell people to wear balaclavas.
This person is an idiot or a troll and should be ignored.
David
members of the Black Bloc wear balaclavas and masks. Therefore your point does not make sense. Of course they would call on people to dress in that manner. You have stated that you participate in BB events, have you not worn a balaclava/mask?
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