Two people have been arrested following a reported security breach at Shannon Airport this morning, writes Pat Flynn.

The incursion involved two peace activists who attempted to reach a US military aircraft with the intention of searching it at about 6am this morning.

At the time, the aircraft was being protected by members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

It is understood the pair were spotted by Gardaí and intercepted before they reached the aircraft.

They are believed to have tried to inspect a Lear jet they believed was being used by the US Air Force, which was parked at the airport overnight.

They were arrested and removed from the area before being taken to Shannon Garda station for questioning.

A red cross was also drawn on a taxi area as part of the protest.

The Galway Alliance Against War, which also campaigns against US military stop-offs in Shannon, claimed a plane was taking off during the incursion.

“This incident not only highlights Ireland’s complicity in the slaughter in the Middle East and Central Asia, but how easily security at Shannon warport can be breached. It is time to end this scandal at Shannon,” a spokesman said.

It follows similar previous incidents where activists have entered Shannon to supposedly inspect the US military which they believe use the airport in breach of Irish and international law.

In July 2014, TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly were arrested after scaling a fence at Shannon.

They were both fined in court, but later jailed for refusing to pay the penalty.

The pair were released from prison within hours of their arrests.

* Additional reporting by PA.