Gardaí have confirmed that they carried out five separate investigations over the past two years into complaints that CIA rendition flights were using Shannon Airport.
In October 2004 and again in February 2005 two separate investigations were carried out after complaints that Shannon airport was being used by a jet belonging to the US Department of Defence to transfer prisoners for the purpose of rendition.
The source of the complaints was a local peace activist and a foreign resident who had written of his concerns to the Garda Commissioner.
Interviews were carried out with a number of people and files on both incidents were sent to the DPP, but no prosecutions followed.
However gardaí did not board the plane in question, nor did they interview US defence personnel.
On three subsequent occasions gardaí also carried out investigations but found there was no justification for the complaints and no further action was taken.
Senior gardaí have confirmed that they have powers under the Criminal Justice UN Convention against Torture Act 2000 to board a plane in their jurisdiction if they have hard evidence of torture or that a crime is being committed.
But they cannot board foreign planes on foot of historical evidence.
Copies of the diplomatic assurances, given to the Government by the US government and the US Ambassador stating that no rendition flights have passed through Shannon, have also been given to gardaí.
Yesterday, the Council of Europe named Ireland as one of 14 European countries which allegedly colluded with the US over its secret flights of terrorism suspects.
The Taoiseach described the allegations as 'totally false' and said 'if anybody had any evidence they should produce it'.
US troop carrier confirms Shannon pullout
World Airways, which is one of the biggest carriers of US troops through Shannon Airport, has confirmed that it is to transfer that business to Leipzig Airport in Germany.
World Airways has confirmed it intends to shift military technical stops to Leipzig by June 1 for economic reasons, but may continue to use Shannon periodically.
It is understood these carriers are constantly looking for new destinations in central Europe, as landing there means they need less crews.
Figures revealed yesterday showed that 177,741 US troops have transited Shannon in the five months between January and May this year on 1,128 civilian aircraft.
World Airways would account for almost 50% of this. It is understood Shannon could lose up to €20 million as a result of revenue lost in landing fees and fuel and catering charges.
A spokesperson for Shannon Airport Authority said, while the loss of any service is regrettable, this type of business is exceptionally volatile.
The spokesperson added that such carriers are constantly seeking new landing locations closer to their long-haul destinations.
Sometimes they decide to quit Shannon and then a short time later return. World Airways quit Shannon to do business in Frankfurt in September 2003, but returned in January 2005.
It is understood the US troops traffic accounts for just 10% of Shannon's business, and the airport is continuing to develop business partnerships with civilian carriers in the US and Europe to ensure its long-term viability.
