Dublin: Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has urged schools and hospitals across Ireland to remain vigilant following a series of hoax bomb threats targeting media organisations and airlines.
The warning comes as Ireland prepares to host two major European gatherings in Dublin next week, with more than 50 world leaders expected to attend. The events are taking place during Ireland’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union, prompting what is expected to be the largest security operation in the country’s history.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Fine Gael party conference at University College Cork, the minister said the recent threats highlighted the growing security challenges posed by hybrid attacks across Europe.
Several Irish media organisations, including RTÉ, have received fake bomb threats. Similar messages have also been directed at airlines operating across Europe, including services departing from Dublin.
The European Political Community summit will bring together more than 50 leaders in Dublin next week, followed by an informal meeting of European Union leaders. An extensive security operation involving An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and other agencies is being prepared for the gatherings.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said countries including Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania had also faced similar threats. She noted that such incidents were attracting particular attention in Ireland because of the high-profile international events taking place during its EU Presidency.
The minister strongly condemned attacks targeting essential public services, warning that schools and hospitals had also been targeted in hybrid attacks in other countries. She called on all sections of society to remain alert to the security threats facing Europe.
She also expressed confidence in the work of An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and other security agencies, while describing the occurrence of such incidents in Ireland as deeply regrettable.
Security measures have reportedly been strengthened in schools following the threats.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton also voiced concern over the safety of schools. She said all threats were being treated seriously and that she had discussed the matter with the Minister for Justice to ensure appropriate security arrangements were in place.
Russia link to threats cannot be ruled out, says Defence Minister
Defence Minister Helen McEntee has said the possibility of Russian involvement in the threats against Irish media organisations cannot be ruled out.
While stressing that no firm conclusion could yet be reached, she pointed to a series of hybrid attacks reported across Europe in recent months, some of which have been linked to Russia.
McEntee said countries including Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania had experienced repeated incidents. She also referred to allegations of a possible Russian connection in an incident involving an airport in Germany.
Irish and European security agencies are examining whether the various incidents are connected and investigating where the threats originated, she said.
Taoiseach confident major summits will be held safely
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed confidence that the two major summits scheduled to take place in Dublin next week will proceed safely.
Speaking on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, Martin described the planned arrangements as the largest security operation in the history of the State.
Alongside the European Political Community summit, which is expected to attract more than 50 national leaders, Dublin will host an informal meeting of European Union leaders. The Taoiseach said An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the National Cyber Security Centre had undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the events were secure.
Garda industrial action raises concerns ahead of summits
Meanwhile, the security preparations are taking place against the backdrop of potential industrial action by Garda members.
The Garda Representative Association has urged its members to introduce work restrictions during major events next week. However, the Garda Sergeants and Inspectors’ Association has said it will not take part in the proposed action.
A nationwide public sector strike has also been called for Thursday, adding to the challenges facing public services during the busy period.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said officers assigned to the security operation would be required to work extended hours. He praised Garda personnel for their contribution to events held during Ireland’s EU Presidency and the visit of US President Donald Trump.
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