Major Emergency Drill Takes Place At Shannon Airport

Emergency responders from multiple agencies in County Clare and the wider Midwest region participated in 'Exercise Rineanna'.

The four-hour drill centred on a simulated crash of a Boeing 777 jet, carrying 156 passengers and 12 crew. The scenario involved the trans-Atlantic jet developing engine trouble, forcing it to divert to Shannon Airport before crash landing near the main runway.

Ger Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council, said the exercise is not only vital to local emergency agencies but also required by Irish Aviation Authority regulations.

He explained, "As part of an overall exercise programme a large-scale training exercise takes place at the airport about every two years to keep emergency services personnel prepared in the event a major aviation disaster would occur at the facility."

The last emergency drill, 'Exercise Eagle', took place at Shannon in 2006.

According to Martin Moroney, Airport Director, "we are pleased with the outcome of today's exercise which we are obliged to hold every two years as part of our aerodrome licensing. It is critical that our Aircraft Emergency and Crash Procedures are executed effectively to ensure a prompt and co-ordinated response to a potential major emergency at the airport. I would like to sincerely thank all our staff, airline customers and statutory agencies for their involvement in today's event."

The agencies that took part in the exercise included the An Garda Siochana, Shannon Airport Police Fire & Rescue Service, Air Traffic Control, Clare County Council, Shannon Airport Authority Management & Operations, Clare County Fire Service, Health Service Executive Western Area and the HSE's Ambulance Service.