News Archive

Ireland West Airport Knock Gets Full Time Garda Presence and Immigration Unit to Support its Continued Development

Ireland West Airport Knock welcomes the news by the Assistant Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, that the Gardaí will provide a full-time Garda presence and Immigration Unit at the Airport with effect from March 31st 2008. The Garda unit will consist of one Sergeant and seven Gardaí who will operate from a base in the main concourse at the Airport. The new development will not only mean a full-time Garda service but also a full-time Immigration Unit which will be essential for the Airport’s future route expansions and enhancement of the Airport’s overall security.

Acknowledging the efforts of all involved in delivering these services, Robert Grealis, Chief Executive, Ireland West Airport Knock said: “This is very positive and beneficial news for the Airport and our passengers. The establishment of these vital services would not have come to fruition had it not been for the efforts and support of the Swinford Garda Superintendent William Keavney and his predecessors, and local Gardaí from the Swinford, Charlestown, Ballyhaunis and Knock barracks to establish this permanent unit. I must also thank the Office of the Garda Commissioner and our local political representatives who recognised the need for these services and lobbied for this Unit.”

Welcoming the news, Superintendent William Keavney, Swinford District said: “I am delighted with the news and it will impact very positively on policing in the East Mayo region.”

Carmel Kilcoyne, Operations Manager, Ireland West Airport Knock, said: “The establishment of a full time Garda service and Immigration Unit at the Airport is a major enhancement of our passenger safety and security services – much needed in light of the Airport’s continued growth and expansion. The local Gardaí have always done a superb job at the Airport on a part-time basis when they were in attendance for all flights arriving and departing from the Airport. The full-time immigration unit will be very beneficial to the Airport’s operations, providing dedicated personnel which are needed for immigration duties and other policing functions. We are delighted with this announcement and together with our own Airport security staff, we look forward to working with this Unit on a permanent basis when they take up their office in March.”

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