What: Major Emergency Training Exercise – Shannon Airport
When: Tuesday the 20th March 2018
Where: Shannon Airport
Start Time: 1pm sharp.
Note to Editor
Please note: A strict embargo will be in place until 2pm on the 20th March 2018
You are invited to attend a bilateral training exercise between An Garda Siochana and Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on Tuesday the 20th March 2018. On this occasion the exercise is being facilitated by Shannon Airport Authority.
The focus of the exercise is to examine the response to a simulated major armed incident by local Gardaí, Garda operational and strategic command personnel, ERU (Emergency Response Unit), ASU (Regional Armed Support Unit) and the Garda Air Support Unit. The exercises will also include the Defence Forces tri-service assets including Army perimeter security and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Naval Service and Air Corps assets and Shannon Airport Police personnel. The objective of the exercise is to test the responses and interoperability of agencies in support of An Garda Síochána, who hold primary responsibility in such cases. The exercise will take place between 2.30pm and 4pm. There will be pre-determined media locations which will provide unique opportunities to review and record the exercise as set out in the scenarios listed below. Should you wish to attend it will be necessary to register your interest at the Garda Press Office. Closing date and time for registration is 5pm 19th March 2018. Each organisation is restricted to two personnel and will be required to furnish the names of persons attending, email, and mobile contact details to pressoffice@garda.ie Please note that there is limited spaces so early registration is recommended.
Attendees will be required to be at Shannon Airport at 1pm sharp where the scenario and safety briefing will be given. There will be parking available at the short term Parking. The locations have restricted access and will only be accessible by those present at the briefings. Attendees will be issued with colour coded Hi-viz vests that must be worn at all times throughout the exercise.
There are three locations for the press to take suitable photography while also ensuring not to interfere with the exercise.
1.Airside-The arrival of the counter-assault team by helicopter
2.Close to the check-in area
3.Close to the assault to rescue the hostages
Ref.no 283/18
SAFETY NOTICE
Media will be escorted to the viewing locations. These locations have restricted access and are only to be accessed by those who attended a safety briefing.
Health and Safety Officers direct that all attendees wear flat anti –slip shoes. There will be loud noises during the exercise and all attendees must wear ear plugs during the indoor phase of the exercise. Ear plugs and hi-viz jackets will be provided and must be worn
During the course of the exercise variable interjections will be introduced into each scenario. Due to the nature of this exercise all media will be required to comply with all directions given by appointed media liaison staff. It should be noted that this in a learning exercise and the interjections will be used to challenge all participants. Therefore all media must remain within the designated media areas at all times.
