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The final contingent of Irish troops from the 116th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Forces Lebanon (UNIFIL) returned to Dublin Airport this afternoon, 27 November, landing at 02.45pm, following a six month deployment to South Lebanon. The Unit consisting of 336 Irish personnel deployed back in late June.

On arrival the Unit were subject to a medical screening, consisting of a temperature check and a symptom screening. Troops were then brought back to their home barracks on Military Transport and will restrict their movements at home, or a military location, for a period 14 days.

Drawn from many different Units across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, the majority of the 116th Infantry Battalion personnel come from the 7th Infantry Battalion based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin.

Their replacements, the 117th Infantry Battalion, have completed their deployment to South Lebanon and joined their UNIFIL colleagues in theatre. Prior to departure, and on arrival at Beirut Airport, the 117th Infantry Battalion underwent medical screenings of the same type as the returning 116th Infantry Battalion. On arrival in camp they will also undergo a 14 day self-isolation period.

Video is available on the Cork Safety Alerts Facebook page.

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