9th September 2002

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Morgan contacts Foreign Affairs Dept. on British helicopter incursion into County Louth

Louth Sinn Fein TD Arthur Morgan has lodged a report and complaint with the Department of Foreign Affairs following an incursion into Co. Louth by a British Army helicopter at the weekend.

The incursion occurred at 3.30pm on Saturday 7 September when a British chopper flew low across the Armagh/Louth Border above the road to Sheelagh, Co. Louth. Witnesses could clearly see the pilot, indicating how low the chopper was flying. The aircraft proceeded as far as St. Malachy's gaelic football field before returning across the Border.

Deputy Morgan said:

``There has been a significant increase in British Army helicopter activity and foot patrols in South Armagh recently. This latest incursion is part of that pattern. The Irish Government cannot credibly seek British demilitarisation in South Armagh if it does not show more vigilance about incursions into its own jurisdiction.''

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