*Photograph: Joe Buckley
FURTHER charges have been brought against three female pro-Palestinian activists concerning an alleged security breach at Shannon Airport in May.
At Ennis District Court, Det Garda Noel Carroll of Shannon Garda Station has told the court that the DPP has directed that the cases are going to be heard in the Circuit Court before a jury.
In the new charges, Badhbh Ní Chathasaigh (26) of Fr. Murphy Place, Midleton, Co. Cork and Claire Brennan (25) of Seaview Wood, Shankill, Dublin 18 are now both charged with interfering with the operation, management or safety at Shannon Airport by entering a runway at Shannon Airport on May 1st causing its closure.
The charge is contrary to Section 47 of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act, 1998.
In a second new charge before the court, Ms Ní Chathasaigh and Ms Brennan are also charged having under their control at Shannon Airport, a Ford Transit Van, a sledgehammer, a bolt cutters, an axe, a battery operated angle grinder and spray paint intending without lawful excuse to damage the property of Shannon Airport which they knew was likely to endanger the life of persons within Shannon Airport.
This charge is contrary to section 4 Criminal Damage Act, 1991.
Ms Brennan is also facing a dangerous driving charge of the Ford Transit Van at Shannon Airport on May 1st contrary to section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.
Sgt Frank O’Grady said that a third accused, Sinead Ní Fhaoláin (22) of Korthion, Barnhill Road, Dalkey, Dublin is to also face additional charges and Judge Alec Gabbett adjourned Ms Ní Fhaoláin’s case to next Wednesday for the purpose of charge.
Already, all three accused were facing charges of trespass in a restricted area adjacent to Hangar 20 and the Main Apron adjacent to the light aircraft parking area, Shannon Airport and the criminal damage of the perimeter fence at Shannon Airport on May 1st last.
The court was told that Ms Ní Chathasaigh and Ms Brennan made no reply after charge and caution before court.
All three are on bail and Judge Gabbett extended the current bail terms on the new charges. Judge Gabbett adjourned the cases concerning Ms Ní Chathasaigh and Ms Brennan to November 5th for the Book of Evidence to be served in the case.
