The response comes after clams that security screening at Dublin Airport is "not fit for purpose".
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Dublin Airport whistle-blower made the claims that the facility is vulnerable to terrorist attacks in a protected disclosure handed to Transport Minister
Eamon Ryan last year. The claims are now subject to an investigation by the Irish Airport Authority.
The protected disclosure notes that security screening at the airport was in a “critical situation”, and suggested there was a possibility for explosives to slip through and onboard flights.
It also claims that standards have lowered since the scramble to hire new staff to deal with post-pandemic demand, with remaining staff left under “immense pressure”.
Speaking to on The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Byrne said he was "surprised" by the claims. “The only good factor I’m taking out of it is the fact that it dates back to last June.
“That is a long time ago - nine months ago," he added. "And if all or any of the parties know what is going on, they will have taken steps to address the issues.”
He continued by saying, "We can’t afford the reputation of Dublin Airport to be risked in any way for whatever reason."
DAA Response
The Dublin Airport Authority responded to the claims today
"DAA never comments on matters of a security nature for obvious reasons given that aviation security aims to prevent acts of unlawful interference, by keeping threatening items such as arms and explosives away from aircraft.
"We never comment on the frequency, nature or findings of any audits or investigations for similar reasons to avoid sharing intelligence on such matters in any medium with those who might seek to bring about such unlawful acts.
"Aviation is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. Dublin Airport is subject to regular, independent, national and international oversight of our compliance with stringent security requirements. DAA is fully engaged continuously to ensure that the appropriate safety and security standards are always in place at Dublin Airport.
"Due process must be followed, and we will cooperate fully with any investigation that may follow, but any allegations under a protected disclosure should remain to be allegations only, until such claims are fully investigated and ultimately resolved."
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