US embassy cable - 05DUBLIN1230

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001230 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT, ASEC 
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL STEARNS 
 
REF: SECSTATE 182943 
 
1.   Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Codel 
Stearns to overnight in Shannon, Ireland, October 12, 2005. 
Purpose of visit is to provide rest stop for crew. 
 
2.    Codel will be met and assisted upon arrival by Embassy 
Control Officer for this visit, POL Officer Tom Rosenberger, 
office telephone 353 1 630-6275, home telephone 353 1 
260-4795 cell 353 87 997-7097, e-mail 
rosenbergertm@state.gov.  Embassy telephone number while in 
country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 
after hours. 
 
3.    Reservations have been made at the Dromoland Castle 
Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.  Telephone number 353 
61 368144 Fax 353 61 363355.  Room rate is Euro 275, 
including breakfast, tax and service. Cancellation date is 
seven days prior advance notice to avoid penalty. 
 
4.    Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has 
instituted a complete smoking ban in the work place, 
including all pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas. 
Violations of this law may result in a fine of up to Euro 
3,000. Check with hotel staff upon arrival to determine if 
smoking is permitted in hotel room. 
 
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION 
 
5.    Please be advised that there are no visa requirements 
for visitors traveling to Ireland on diplomatic or official 
passports. 
 
6.    Per Diem will be issued in local currency. 
 
SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND 
 
7.    Post is unaware of direct threats against Americans or 
U.S. interests in Ireland, and Ireland remains a relatively 
safe country where anti-American sentiment is rare.  For 
additional threat assessment information regarding Ireland, 
you may contact DS/DSS/ITA (Diplomatic Security's Office of 
Intelligence and Threat Assessment) in the State Department 
at 202-663-0787.  TDY visitors staying longer than 30 days 
should schedule a briefing with the Regional Security Officer. 
 
8.    Street Crime: Like any large urban center, Dublin has 
its share of street crime, especially pick-pocketing and 
purse-snatching.  Valuables should not be left unattended in 
cars and should be kept in hotel safe deposit boxes.  Do not 
carry large amounts of cash.  Violent confrontations and use 
of firearms are rare, however, and with reasonable 
precautions and common sense visitors should be able to enjoy 
a safe visit.  Police services are excellent; the number for 
emergency services in Ireland is 999 or 112. 
 
9.    Terrorism: Ireland, like the rest of the world, shares 
an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international 
origin.  Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings 
and report suspicious people or activities to the police or 
RSO. 
KENNY