Nonagenarian Activist Concludes Cross-Ireland Trek in Dublin
Lelia Doolan, a 91-year-old peace activist and film producer, has completed a remarkable two-week, 220-kilometer (138-mile) walk across Ireland, culminating at the gates of Leinster House in Dublin on Wednesday. Accompanied by throngs of supporters, Doolan embarked on this journey to petition the Irish government to halt the use of Shannon airport by US military aircraft, arguing that this practice breaches Ireland's longstanding policy of neutrality.
Protest Against US Military Stopovers
Doolan's protest specifically targets the agreement that permits US military planes to refuel at Shannon airport, located in County Clare on Ireland's west coast. She emphasized that Shannon is a civilian airport, not a military one, and expressed concern over the lack of government oversight. "US military planes are landing without anybody ever agreeing in government to search them or see what's in them," Doolan stated, adding that people have been "fooled" into believing the practice must continue. "It doesn't have to continue," she asserted, calling for an end to what she views as a violation of Irish neutrality.
Government Response and Ongoing Controversy
The Irish government maintains that Shannon airport is not involved in US combat operations and that there is no evidence of weapons or supplies for US attacks passing through Irish airspace. US personnel with sidearms do transit through the airport, but officials argue this does not compromise neutrality. In the Dáil, Labour party leader Ivana Bacik praised Doolan and urged the government to stop allowing US military planes to use Shannon. Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed respect for Doolan and indicated he would try to meet her, but cautioned against miscategorizing the airport's role, stating it has no involvement in the Middle East conflict.
Journey Details and Support
Doolan began her trek from Shannon airport on March 31, walking through towns such as Limerick, Nenagh, Roscrea, Portlaoise, Newbridge, and Naas, with supporters joining her for sections of the "walk with Lelia" campaign. The journey also served as a tribute to her late friend and fellow campaigner Margaretta D'Arcy, featuring traditional music sessions along the way. Upon reaching Leinster House, Doolan was greeted with hugs, cheers, Palestinian flags, and opposition politicians. She read a poem titled "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye and joined supporters in a peace song, celebrating the spirit of the Irish people she met during her walk.
Broader Context and Activism
This protest is part of a decades-long movement against US military use of Shannon airport, which has gained renewed momentum due to conflicts in the Middle East. Recently, a man in his 40s was arrested for allegedly damaging a US Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft parked at the airport. The controversy extends beyond Ireland, with countries like Italy denying the use of an airbase in Sicily for similar purposes last month. Doolan, who turns 92 next month and celebrated her 90th birthday with a skydive, encouraged others to take action, saying, "It's very simple. Just do it." Her walk highlights the enduring commitment of activists to uphold Irish neutrality and challenge military agreements.
