Confiscated goods bring festive
cheer to carers
 By
Elaine Sheridan
One man’s loss is another man’s gain!
This is a phrase that rings particularly true for the Carers Association
of Ireland who due to new security regulations are set to benefit from
the goods confiscated by security at Dublin Airport.
In answer to the thousands of inquiries asking where the items taken from
passengers at security actually go, it has been revealed that Dublin airport
ensures they are all donated to the Carers Association of Ireland.
These items will then be auctioned off to raise much-needed funds for
this vital service throughout Ireland.
Since the new EU security rules came into place passengers have had to
surrender hundreds of luxury items to custom officials before commencing
on their journey.
Under a new system, passengers can carry small quantities of liquids but
only in separate containers not over 100ml through the pre-boarding screening
area.
But it seems hundreds of people have not yet got the message and have
been forced to hand over goods worth thousands of euros.
Bottles of Bollinger, 12-year-old malt whiskies, plenty of plonk and several
cans of the black stuff are among the hundreds of items set to be auctioned
off.
As well as the copious amounts of booze on offer airport passengers have
also involuntarily donated over 200 bottles of perfume and designer gift
sets which they were forced to relinquish.
One traveller going home to Italy was devastated at having to relinquish
several gifts.
He said: “I wanted to bring back some authentic Irish presents with
me which included proper Irish whiskey and large bottles of Guinness because
they aren’t available where I’m from. It’s so disappointing
to find that I have to give them up.
“Although at least it’s going to a worthy cause. That’s
my bit done for sharing in the Christmas spirit.”
Another passenger Sheena McGuire who was travelling from Dublin to London
to visit her boyfriend said: “I was gutted when I had to hand over
my make-up and perfume at the security gates. I had just bought some new
mascara and Clinique foundation but I really should have known better.
“Anyway it is lovely to know that the items left behind are going
to a good cause. A lot of the stuff is brand new and it great to think
people less well off are benefiting.”
Deputy CEO of The Carers Association Catherine Cox said: “We were
delighted to hear that we have been chosen to receive these goods. The
auction will be great for shoppers so close to Christmas and excellent
for family carers allowing us to continue providing essential services
to them.”
“The Christmas holidays are often very lonely and stressful for
family carers. Respite and day-care services often close over Christmas
leaving family carers with a 24-hour job caring for their loved ones.
These funds will go towards continuing essential services throughout Ireland.”
A spokeswoman for the Dublin Airport Authority urged passengers to familiarise
themselves with the new EU regulations in order to avoid forfeiting precious
belongings. Containers must be carried in a transparent, re-sealable plastic
bag.
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