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.
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