COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL STEARNS

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001230

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL STEARNS

REF: SECSTATE 182943


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Codel
Stearns to overnight in Shannon, Ireland, October 12, 2005.
Purpose of visit is to provide rest stop for crew.


2. Codel will be met and assisted upon arrival by Embassy
Control Officer for this visit, POL Officer Tom Rosenberger,
office telephone 353 1 630-6275, home telephone 353 1
260-4795 cell 353 87 997-7097, e-mail
rosenbergertm@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in
country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612
after hours.


3. Reservations have been made at the Dromoland Castle
Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare. Telephone number 353
61 368144 Fax 353 61 363355. Room rate is Euro 275,
including breakfast, tax and service. Cancellation date is
seven days prior advance notice to avoid penalty.


4. Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has
instituted a complete smoking ban in the work place,
including all pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas.
Violations of this law may result in a fine of up to Euro
3,000. Check with hotel staff upon arrival to determine if
smoking is permitted in hotel room.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION


5. Please be advised that there are no visa requirements
for visitors traveling to Ireland on diplomatic or official
passports.


6. Per Diem will be issued in local currency.

SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND


7. Post is unaware of direct threats against Americans or
U.S. interests in Ireland, and Ireland remains a relatively
safe country where anti-American sentiment is rare. For
additional threat assessment information regarding Ireland,
you may contact DS/DSS/ITA (Diplomatic Security's Office of
Intelligence and Threat Assessment) in the State Department
at 202-663-0787. TDY visitors staying longer than 30 days
should schedule a briefing with the Regional Security Officer.


8. Street Crime: Like any large urban center, Dublin has
its share of street crime, especially pick-pocketing and
purse-snatching. Valuables should not be left unattended in
cars and should be kept in hotel safe deposit boxes. Do not
carry large amounts of cash. Violent confrontations and use
of firearms are rare, however, and with reasonable
precautions and common sense visitors should be able to enjoy
a safe visit. Police services are excellent; the number for
emergency services in Ireland is 999 or 112.


9. Terrorism: Ireland, like the rest of the world, shares
an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international
origin. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings
and report suspicious people or activities to the police or
RSO.
KENNY