Three Air Corps planes and a Garda helicopter flying over Dublin city centre today resulted in a rash of calls to the Defence Forces from people wondering whether their presence was due to today’s attacks in London.
The planes and helicopter flew low over the city at around lunchtime.
The planes seen over Dublin today. Photo: Shauneen Armstrong
However, an Army spokesman told ireland.comthe fly over was a rehearsal for next Sunday's National Day of Commemoration, an annual event held in memory of Irish men and women who have died in past wars and on UN service.
He said there had been "loads" of calls about the planes.
The spokesman said the rehearsal had been planned before the seriousness of this morning’s events in London was known. It was very weather-dependant and the planes were flying low due to the level of cloud cover over the city, the spokesman said. He confirmed there were three Air Corps planes and that the Garda helicopter was also involved.
"It was nothing to do with what has happened in London."
Sunday’s event will attract a large military presence and will be attended by the President Mary McAleese.