Ireland has rejected an offer to assume ownership of a US military aircraft – following its involvement in an alleged incident at Shannon Airport. American military officials proposed transferring the 34-year-old C-130 Hercules to Ireland after determining it was no longer fit for operational service following the alleged incident at the Co Clare airport earlier this year.

A peace activist is currently facing court proceedings on charges of causing criminal damage to the US Air National Guard aircraft at Shannon on April 13.

He also faces charges of trespassing at the location and an additional charge of criminal damage to an airport perimeter fence on the same date.

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The aircraft, which was en route to Poland from America and had made a stopover at Shannon when the alleged incident occurred, has been grounded there ever since.

Sources indicate the aircraft is unlikely to return to active duty with the US military, who plans to decommission it. It has now been revealed that in recent months, American officials extended the offer to Ireland to retain the plane.

One possibility under consideration was utilizing it for training purposes by the elite Army Ranger Wing – particularly for practicing aircraft assault scenarios during hostage situations.

There was also consideration given to repairing the aircraft and incorporating it into the Air Corps fleet, but sources confirmed this was ultimately rejected. Military insiders revealed that officials chose not to incorporate it into their aircraft fleet since the Air Corps doesn’t operate any other C-130s among its existing planes.

Ireland utilizes a recently acquired C-295 for its military transportation operations. A Department of Defense spokesperson has verified to the Irish Sunday Mirror that it has opted against assuming ownership of the aircraft.

He stated: “With regard to your query regarding the damaged USAF C-130 Hercules, we understand that the US authorities are considering a number of options for the disposal of the aircraft and have enquired as to any interest we might have.

“I can confirm that the Department of Defense has advised the US authorities that we have no interest in acquiring the damaged aircraft for DF training or any other use.”

The aircraft remains under Garda protection in an airport hangar and will probably remain there until America determines its disposal method.

The C-130 serves as a backbone of the US military and transports troops, cargo, and even vehicles globally. Numerous other nations’ air forces also deploy it, including Canada, Italy, Australia, South Africa and Tunisia.

Word of the American proposal emerges as gardai organize an extensive security operation for US President Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland next month – with Shannon anticipated as his arrival point. His Irish visit is scheduled from September 12 to 14.

The 80-year-old will travel to Dublin, where he is anticipated to break ground on the new US embassy in Ballsbridge. However, he is also expected to make an appearance at the Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg course in Co Clare.

This will likely result in Air Force One touching down at Shannon.