Airports

With regards to Airports – We are aware of instances where, due to ‘Bomb Scares’, while in flight – aircraft have been redirected to airports where the necessary detection facilities were NOT available and the resulting action taken was --- evacuate the aircraft and take it to a remote area of the airport, after a visual inspection, leave the aircraft in position for the duration of the original flight time and if there is no explosion then all must be ok! A Security (Search) Dog would have effectively completed the detection work in minutes and either had the plane on its way with a minimum of fuss to passengers and airline schedules or successfully detected explosives leading to the proper disposal measures.

Ports

With regarding to Sea Ports – Every day hundreds of Container and Commercial Traffic comes through our sea ports by Ferry or Container Ships from all corners of the world. While Customes Officers and Gardai have had numerous successess based on security intelligence and random checks, one can only imagine how much illegal contraband, mainly in the form of Drugs and Illegal Immigrants, slip through the net.

Again, time feasibility and cost plus numerous ‘man hours’ would justify 100% searches in this case, however the use of Security (Search) Dogs would go along way toward achieving higher detection rates within quick, time parameters. In the past the smuggling of Illegal immigrants has led to tragedy with the deaths of a number of people locked in a container which came through Rosslare Port. While Customs Officers successfully carry out searches with Search dogs at Ferry Ports, the lack of Dogs and manpower to check all container traffic at all of Irelands main sea ports can only lead to a major short fall in detection and a potential catastrophe in the making

Air & Sea Port Growth

Air and Sea Travel are becoming more and more popular and this, together with increasing passenger numbers and expansion and growth of our Air and Sea Ports has put an enormous pressure on security resources at these facilities as has been highlighted recently in the National and International Press. Passenger delays and subsequent flight delays because of inadequate baggage security systems.

It is unfortunate that in today’s climate of heightened security and deterrents and delays are far too common place in the world of travel with balance seemingly tilting one way or the other, creating bad will amongst the Travelling Public, Airlines, Air & Sea Port Authorities, Carriers, Travel Agents, Governments. The knocks on effects certainly do nothing for our economy or tourism.

It is a common sense and effective, cost wise and security wise measures, to introduce K9 Security as part of overall Air & Sea Port security operations. The effects will be instantaneous putting Ireland on the map as leader in terms of travel security and a safer destination to visit.

In terms of crime fighting – once again the effects would be instantaneous – as a deterrent and Search/Detection unit against International Criminal Activity through our Air & Sea Ports. Again the spin off in terms reducing crime rates can only be further testament and positive aspect to the development of K9 Security.