3 September 1998 Edition
Chinook overflight in Monaghan
Consternation was caused in the mid-Monaghan town of Castleblayney and over a wide area of its hinterland on Tuesday morning when a formation of six Chinook helicopters flew overhead. The close grouping of unmarked military aircraft flew low over the town and made its way along a flight path above the Monaghan Road. Reported sightings in the Annyalla and Clontibret areas mark the route taken before the grouping turned north and over the border.
Subsequent reports revealed that a further three helicopters, of a lighter class, flew in tandem with the Chinook formation.
Early reaction took the view that the unprecedented demonstration of military airpower was British in origin. There have been at least two reported and confirmed British military land incursions in the Castleblayney area in recent months. There is already in place a significant lobby in the South Armagh border area against the extensive use of British military helicopters in the airspace.
Cavan/Monaghan Dáil Deputy Caoimhghín O Caoláin made immediate contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs in order to establish the identity of the Chinooks and their apparent three support craft.
Following a series of calls the Sinn Féin TD learned that six Chinooks were United States military aircraft engaged in reconnaissance activity in advance of the visit to Ireland by US President Bill Clinton. The identity of the three smaller craft has not yet been confirmed.
Deputy O Caoláin has requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to record the public's disquiet at the overflights. Deputy O Caoláin has also registered his view of the unacceptability of any arrangements that would have allowed such air activity if the point of departure was a British helicopter base such as that at Bessbrook.
Subsequent reports revealed that a further three helicopters, of a lighter class, flew in tandem with the Chinook formation.
Early reaction took the view that the unprecedented demonstration of military airpower was British in origin. There have been at least two reported and confirmed British military land incursions in the Castleblayney area in recent months. There is already in place a significant lobby in the South Armagh border area against the extensive use of British military helicopters in the airspace.
Cavan/Monaghan Dáil Deputy Caoimhghín O Caoláin made immediate contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs in order to establish the identity of the Chinooks and their apparent three support craft.
Following a series of calls the Sinn Féin TD learned that six Chinooks were United States military aircraft engaged in reconnaissance activity in advance of the visit to Ireland by US President Bill Clinton. The identity of the three smaller craft has not yet been confirmed.
Deputy O Caoláin has requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to record the public's disquiet at the overflights. Deputy O Caoláin has also registered his view of the unacceptability of any arrangements that would have allowed such air activity if the point of departure was a British helicopter base such as that at Bessbrook.