Originally Posted by WRCSolberg
I always thought it was for convenience, but the reason has to be deeper than that. Could it have something to do with the turbulent times in Ireland in the 70s and 80s?
I don't recall "turbulent times" in the Republic of Ireland in the 80s.
The Irish parliament website explains that the Irish airport authority (Aer Rianta) was motivated to have US immigration pre-clearance at Irish airports in order to attract business from airlines which need to make a refueling stop before hopping over the atlantic:
http://historical-debates.oireachtas...606060003.html
"Come to Shannon! Refuel and get your customers through US immigration at Shannon Airport. Forget Heathrow. Shannon rules" - that kind of thing.