State concerned about ‘lone wolf’ terrorist attacks

Authorities here are concerned about the threat of “lone wolf” terrorists and the possibility of terrorism groups using the State as a base, a draft White Paper on defence policy states.

The document details security concerns the country is exposed to or could be exposed to over the next 10 years, including cyber attacks, the emergence of domestic terrorism and the risks of organised crime.

The paper, which is due to go before Cabinet today, says the emergence of extremist groups in Syria, Iraq and Libya are playing a major part in the evolution of terrorist threats.

It says a number of Irish citizens have travelled to conflict zones to fight with extremist groups.

The paper, drawn up by the Department of Defence, says: "There is also concern regarding the process of radicalisation and there are a range of influences, including the internet, which can enable this process.

‘Potential threat’

“This process can lead to a potential threat of self-radicalised individuals acting alone – often referred to as ‘solo terrorism’ or ‘lone wolves’.

"In addition, Ireland has a responsibility to seek to prevent transnational terrorist groups from using the State as a refuge or as a base from which to direct their activities against targets in other countries."

The paper, seen by The Irish Times, says the Government has limited control over the possibility of an attack and says recent attacks in Brussels and Paris prove one cannot be ruled out here.

“The experience in other European countries has shown that the threat level can escalate rapidly and the source and intensity of that threat can differ.

"A threat can also emerge suddenly as a result of factors that lie outside the control of Government. Events such as these within Europe are a continuing concern."