The targeting of laser points at planes in Dublin Airport has been blasted as "reckless and irresponsible".
An Garda Siochana are currently investigating the incident which happened last week. The planes were attempting to land at Dublin Airport at around 9pm on Friday evening when they suffered a series of laser pen attacks, reports the Irish Independent.
Sinn Fein TD for Dublin West Paul Donnelly slammed the incident and called on parents not to buy laser point pens for their children as Christmas presents this year. He said that Friday evening could have potentially escalated into a "disaster" had it not been for the quick thinking of the pilots.
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Deputy Donnelly said in a statement: "Thankfully nobody was injured in this instance but interfering with a plane in flight is a reckless and irresponsible action, what might serve as amusement to some, could potentially become a major disaster. I urge those responsible to stop and ask parents to be conscious of theses pens and do not allow kids to have use of them."
He added: "I would also like to commend the pilots and ground staff at Dublin Airport for handling the laser targeting in a safe and professional manner."
The pilots successfully evaded the laser points and did not have to divert their aircraft as a result of the baffling incident but it sparked significant security concerns. Laser pens can potentially impact vision if they make direct contact with a person’s eye.
A garda said: “An incident was reported to gardaí at approximately 9pm on the 2nd of December, 2022. Inquiries are ongoing at this time.”
It is believed that the lasers were being used in Blanchardstown on the night of the incident. The DAA declined to comment on the incident.
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