Management at the airport of Ireland's one Marian Shrine, Knock, have distanced themselves from suggestions that US military aircraft would be allowed to land there.The directors, who include the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary and Monsignor Joseph Quinn, parish priest of Knock, said permission for war planes to refuel at the airport would only be given with the full backing of the board. Plans to give US military landing rights at Knock were raised last Sunday by new board member, airline tycoon Ulick McEvaddy.
But in a statement Ireland West Airport Knock said its priorities were to promote medium and long haul passenger flights, including transatlantic services, for people in the region and for US tourists.
"The airport board has made no decision to seek or commence services for US military aircraft. Any such decision would only be taken in the light of the views of all board members," directors said.
They also stressed that Mr McEvaddy's comments were his personal opinion.
"No such proposal has been brought to the airport's board, and the subject has not been considered to date," the directors said.
"It is widely acknowledged that Mr McEvaddy is well known and respected within the aviation business worldwide, and this includes the US aviation and military business. Such a wealth of experience will be of tremendous value to the airport in its future development.
"If at some point in the future, the possibility of US military business arises, then Mr McEvaddy's views, together with those of all other members, will be taken into consideration and as always we will proceed on a consensus basis."
Although such a move could bring in millions of euro in revenue, opposition to the idea has been widespread, with politicians and peace campaigners saying that any such plan would be totally unacceptable.
Local independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley said: “There’s no possible way in the wide earthly world that I think people in Mayo would tolerate Knock airport being used for military flights.”
Mr McEvaddy, however, has confirmed that he intends to raise the matter at the next board meeting of the airport.
Knock is Ireland's only national shrine, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year. It has been a place of pilgrimage for the Irish, and indeed foreign visitors since 1879 when the Virgin Mary, together with St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, appeared to a group of local people.
John Paul II visited the shrine during his historic visit to Ireland in 1979.
The airport was the brainchild of a former parish priest, Msgr. James Horan, who pioneered its construction against a background of cynicism and reluctance in many quarters. This airport opened on October 25, 1985.