Sniper alert for Charlie

Proposed sale of homes posed a threat to security

- BY SEAN McCARTHAIGH

GARDAI were concerned a major security risk to the Taoiseach and visiting VIPs would arise from the proposed sale of 13 State-owned houses opposite the entrance to Government Buildings including their potential to be used by a sniper.

State files made available by the National Archives show gardai advised the Government that the planned sale of 21-33 Upper Merrion Street in 1989 posed a threat on security grounds to the buildings which housed the Department of the Taoiseach.

Superintendent John Courtney told a meeting of senior civil servants at the Department of the Taoiseach in August 1989 that gardai were concerned about the personal security for the Taoiseach, the Attorney General and visiting dignitaries entering and leaving Government Buildings.

Supt Courtney warned that developments in modern technology meant someone using certain sophisticated equipment could also “eavesdrop on telephone conversations from a distance”.

He also expressed fear about “the possibility of an outrage” such as a sniper gaining access to one of the Dublin buildings “with an easy getaway’.