The use by the PSNI of commercial helicopters to cope with dissident activity in Co Fermanagh on four occasions has cost the PSNI a whopping £52,000.
The figures were released by the local Ulster Unionist Assembly member , Tom Elliot who questioned whether rising costs, associated with the ongoing dissident threat, might necessitate specialist helicopters, rather than private hire.
He remarked; "Having requested information on the use of helicopters across the provence, it emerged that a commercial helicopter had been used on four occasions in Fermanagh since April at a cost of £52,000.
" Unfortunately, the PSNI have declined to provide my party with any additional details of helicopter use in other areas and expense incurred, due to security related sensitivities."
He went on; " While we appreciate PSNI concerns, the Ulster Unionist Party is committed to ensuring that our Police officers are are fully resoursed to tackle the dissident threat, Operations against dissident terrrorists shoul;d in no way be hindered by inadequate equipment or equipment that is so costly it could effect the long term viability of future operations.
" Only this week", he added, i have received a report that dissidents have got there hands on surface to air missiles and are in the planning to target Police Helicopters.
" In this context, the use of private helicopters becomes increasingly worrying. It is vital that the lives and limbs of our Police officers are protected as far as possible. In my mind fully armoured helicopters offering more protection, would be the best resourse to do this."
Mr Elliot said he would be asking his collegues on the Policing board to look into the cost associated with private helicopters hireand whether a tendering process would be a more cost effective way to manage escalating costs.
" What is clear is that the situation is very serious indeed. Swift and concerted action is needed to rid Northern Ireland of these criminals intent on dragging us backwards."
He said the UUP remained committed to giving the nessesary support and assistance to PSNI officers to keep peace a reality for the people of Northern Ireland.
Taken from Fermanagh Herald paper 9/12/09
They are scaring.... In link with an article (i dont remeber where, I guess in the sunday telegraph, or a stuff like that) saying that dissident have war weapon to crash helicopters...?
ReplyDeleteCad é mar atá tú Julie it would be good to get that link of that story if you can from that paper.
ReplyDeleteTom Elliot in this article above from the Fermanagh Herald has also called for Republicans to be taken out by the SAS in the past so it is unsurprising to hear him calling for armoured british flying machines of death to fly above the skys of Fermanagh.
I had sending you the article by email. It's a BELFAST Telegraph article, in date of the 2nd of december 2009, writing by Deborah McAleese.
ReplyDeleteThe Tom Elliot seems to be a real b.....d ...
Sorry if sometimes my questions seems to be a bit stupid, I'm not yet understanding everything in the Irish situation... but I'm learning!
Solidarity!
Julie from France
go raibh maith agut Julie a chara thanks for the support dont worry Julie everyone has to learn sometime and your a valued contributer on this site.
ReplyDeleteTom Elliots hatred for Irish Republicanism is well known in Fermanagh and throughout the Island of Ireland a chara.
Thanks! It's very nice (and bear) to say that!
ReplyDelete