NEW ANTI-TERROR SECURITY IN PLACE IN IRISH PORTS

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000944 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC EWWT PHSA KHLS SUBJECT: NEW ANTI-TERROR SECURITY IN PLACE IN IRISH PORTS ¶1. Summary. On July 27, the GOI completed the installation of new anti-terror security measures at all Irish international sea ports, bringing Ireland into compliance with the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) code established in July 2004. These arrangements are aimed at preventing a terrorist strike on Ireland or the use of Irish ports for an attack on another country. End Summary. ¶2. According to Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources official Helen Conway, Ireland is in full compliance with UN security directives set forth by the IMO in July 2004. These measures are now in place at Ireland's seven international ports: Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Rosslare, Waterford, Cork, Bantry and Shannon/Foynes. She said that Ireland also is in compliance with the European Council Regulation 725/2004 Enhancing Ship and Port Facility Security. ¶3. These measures are aimed at preventing terror strikes on Ireland or using Irish ports to attack another country. These tactics, subject to audits by both the IMO and the EU, include: -A detailed security plan -A designated security manager -Staff trained in security -More barriers, restricted areas and manned gates (depending on the port) -More baggage checks, screening of traffic and people and photo identification facilities (depending on the port) ¶4. The new security regime applies to passenger ships and cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards, including high-speed craft, mobile off-shore units and port facilities serving such ships engaged on international voyages. Conway clarified that these measures apply only at ship-port interfaces. She predicted that future international legislation will extend security coverage to entire ports, but offered no timeline for such proposals. ¶5. The GOI hired Dublin based consultant group, Risk Management International (RMI) at the cost of up to euro 10 million, to install these new measures. RMI is known for its management of airport security at 60 sites in Europe. KENNY