*Katie Duggan-Hastings, lead instructor, with new recruits Niall McGuane, Corbally, Emma Vihera, Lissycasey, Jamie Noonan, Newmarket on Fergus, Peadar Harding, Barefield, Kevin Neylon, Ballyea and Teagan Keane, Ennis. Photograph: Arthur Ellis.
FOURTEEN new members have joined Shannon Airport’s security team in advance of a predicted busy summer for the International Airport.
New Airport Search Unit (ASU) officers have completed training which includes the operation of the airport’s state of the art three-dimensional X-ray screening system. This system with built in explosive detection software eliminates the need for passengers travelling through Shannon Airport to separate their 100ml liquids or electronics from their cabin bags when going through security.
Cabin Baggage Search, Manual Handling and Sunflower Hidden Disability Training also formed part of the training for the recruits. Inhouse instructors led the training which involved both classroom and practical training, with their certification completed by examiners on behalf of the Irish Aviation Authority.
Six of the fourteen recruits hail from Co Clare including Emma Vihera of Lissycasey, Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Jamie Noonan, Peadar Harding from Barefield, Corbally’s Niall McGuane, Ballyea’s Kevin Neylon and Teagan Keane from Ennis. Their new colleagues are also from Limerick, Tipperary and Finland. They come from a variety of backgrounds including hospitality, retail, and healthcare as well as some having progressed through other departments of the airport such as the Mobility Assistance Unit.
Official certificates were received by the fourteen new recruits this week. Speaking at this event, Pat O’Brien, Chief Officer Shannon Airport Police Fire Service and Security said: “The Airport Search Unit (ASU) officers are a vital part of both Shannon Airport security and the customer experience, which is always to the forefront of our operations here. I would like to congratulate our newly trained ASU officers and thank them for the commitment they have shown throughout their intensive training programme. I would also like to thank Jean Moloney, Deputy Chief Security Officer, Katie Duggan-Hastings, lead instructor, Leona McGuigan and Padraic Whelan instructors, together with their colleagues, for the wonderful training they have given these new members.”
Katie Duggan-Hastings, Screening Supervisor and lead instructor said, “There was a lot of learning across the training programme as most didn’t come from a security background. They are a lovely group and it’s wonderful to see them being certified now – a great achievement for all involved.”.
With 36 routes to 11 countries available throughout the summer schedule, and over 53,000 people having passed through the airport during the May bank holiday period alone, it’s set to be a busy start for the newest team members. The recruits are excited to join the Shannon Airport team and are looking forward to helping passengers through security at Ireland’s favourite airport in the months ahead.
