US embassy cable - 05DUBLIN944

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