A group that monitors military aircraft movements at Shannon Airport has claimed the Department of Foreign Affairs has refused to answer questions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) in case it damages relations with the United States (US).
The Department of Transport has revealed that in 2014 a total of 272 flights were granted permits to transport weapons or explosives through Shannon Airport.
An airshow to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first commercial transatlantic flight is expected to attract some 40,000 spectators but will also see several anti-war groups stage a peaceful protest.
Opponents of the US military's use of Shannon airport have expressed serious concern at news that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade only receives statistical reports on military flights after they have taken place.
