A judge has refused to relax bail conditions for Nell Buckley, a 29-year-old Galway woman, who faces charges related to the criminal damage of a U.S. aircraft at Shannon Airport. The decision prevents her from traveling to the United Kingdom for an Arts Council-funded work trip.

Court Ruling and Rationale

Judge Alec Gabbett, presiding at Ennis District Court, stated that Ms. Buckley is charged with serious offences and denied the application to return her passport. This denial effectively bars her from traveling to Great Yarmouth for three days at the end of the month for Arts Council-related work.

Judge Gabbett emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the incident at shannon airport received wide publicity in the papers and on social media. He further explained the court’s primary concern: the serious issue about airport safety and there could potentially be an international incident.

The Charges

• Ms. Buckley, holding a master’s degree, is one of three women charged with criminal damage to an Omni Air International aircraft at shannon airfield on May 17.
• The alleged damage involves spray painting part of the aircraft’s front with red paint.
• She also faces a charge of entering a restricted area near the control tower at Shannon Airport with the intent to unlawfully interfere with property on the same date.

Initial Court Appearance and Bail Conditions

Ms. Buckley and her co-accused initially appeared before a special session of Ennis District Court. All three were granted bail, with Ms. Buckley’s conditions including a ban from entering any aerodrome and the surrender of her passport.

Defense Arguments

Daragh Hassett, Ms. Buckley’s solicitor, requested the bail conditions be amended to allow her UK travel for three days for Arts council work. Mr. Hassett stated that Ms Buckley works for the Arts Council and that the flight tickets were booked for her by someone in the Arts council.

Mr. Hassett highlighted that the pre-booked work trip had been flagged during the initial bail hearing. He emphasized, She has a job.She works in the arts and works for the Arts Council.

Prosecution’s Concerns

Detective Garda Roddy Burke reiterated concerns from the initial bail hearing regarding Ms. Buckley entering an airport.He also indicated that there is a possibility there will be further charges in this case.

Defense Rebuttal and Surety

Mr. Hassett acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, stating that Ms. Buckley intends to contest them. he also noted her history of living overseas, including obtaining her master’s degree in the Netherlands, and her return in 2020. Ms. Buckley’s mother provided an self-reliant surety of €500 to support her daughter’s travel.

Ms. Buckley confirmed she was traveling for work, not as a protester, and would be traveling alone. Her flight tickets were for a Ryanair flight from Dublin.

Final Decision and Remand

Judge Gabbett denied the application and remanded Ms. Buckley on continuing bail, requiring her to reappear in court on July 9. He also rejected a proposal to allow her to travel to the UK by ferry.