French Frigate Aids Irish Security for EU Commissioners' Meeting in Cork
A large-scale security operation, including a French frigate and Irish forces, is underway in Cork for an EU Commissioners' meeting. Hundreds of gardaí are deployed, with French police assisting counter-drone efforts. A single pro-Palestinian protest occurred, but no other anticipated demonstrations materialized.
A major security operation, involving Irish Defence Forces, gardaí, and a French navy frigate, has moved from Dublin to Cork to secure a meeting of the College of EU Commissioners. The French frigate, positioned in international waters off Cork, is acting as a radar platform capable of shooting down air targets like drones. Irish Air Corps aircraft, including an Airbus 295 maritime surveillance plane, and garda aircraft are also involved, with armed helicopters providing counter-drone picket along the coast near Cork Airport.
The main events are centered at University College Cork (UCC), where EU Commissioners and dignitaries are meeting. Hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes gardaí, including tactical armed units, are deployed across the city. French police officers are assisting with counter-drone technology. Despite intelligence suggesting potential protests, only one pro-Palestinian demonstration occurred outside UCC, led by Christine Chasaide, a UCC staff member. Protesters used a blanket representing children killed in Gaza, calling for the EU to disassociate from Israel and end the EU/Israel association agreement. The protest dispersed after a few hours, and no other demonstrations materialized at other venues like City Hall or the Tyndall Building.
The security operation is ongoing, with gardaí staying in student accommodation near UCC. Cork city gardaí also handled regular policing duties, including a rescue in the River Lee and a multi-car crash outside the city.