Ireland Deports 34 Polish and Lithuanian Nationals on Chartered Flight Over Criminal Convictions

Irish authorities have removed 34 Polish and Lithuanian nationals from the country on a chartered deportation flight as part of a major operation targeting individuals with criminal convictions.

An Garda Siochana confirmed that all individuals removed from the State had criminal records in Ireland and had previously received custodial prison sentences for various offences.

According to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the deportation operation involved 22 Polish nationals and 12 Lithuanian nationals ranging in age from their mid-20s to mid-60s.

Authorities stated that 25 of the men were transferred directly from the custody of the Irish Prison Service after completing prison terms, while the remaining nine individuals were arrested and detained in different parts of the country before being removed.

The chartered flight departed from Dublin Airport and first arrived in Warsaw before continuing to Vilnius.

Irish authorities said all deported individuals are now subject to exclusion orders preventing them from re-entering Ireland for periods ranging from five to ten years.

Police said the removals support ongoing efforts to combat organized retail crime, drug-related offences, road traffic crimes, sexual offences, and domestic violence cases.

Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan defended the operation, stating that while European citizens enjoy freedom of movement rights, those privileges can be restricted in cases involving criminal activity.

“Restricting this right is not something I take lightly, but there must be consequences for people whose behaviour means they should no longer enjoy this privilege,” O’Callaghan said.

He added that the operation demonstrates the Irish government’s commitment to enforcing removal orders against individuals involved in criminality or considered a threat to public safety.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice Colm Brophy revealed that the cost of the chartered aircraft used in the operation was €184,465 excluding VAT.

Brophy said it is “essential that people respect and obey the laws of the State.”

The latest deportation operation follows a similar action earlier this year when Irish authorities removed 33 Polish and Lithuanian nationals from the country in January under the European Union’s Free Movement Directive.

According to the Department of Justice, the latest operation brings the total number of people removed from Ireland under the directive in 2026 to 88.

Courtesy: RTE