The case against Independent deputies Mick Wallace and Clare Daly, alleging they entered a restricted area at Shannon Airport and climbed the perimeter fence, has opened at Ennis District court.

Mr Wallace and Ms Daly are contesting the charges, and say they were making a political statement about the use of Shannon by the US military.

The court heard that Mr Wallace will be conducting his own defence and will be leading witnesses in their evidence.

The court was shown CCTV footage of deputies Wallace and Daly inside the perimeter at Shannon Airport at an area known as Taxi Way 11 on 22 July 2014.

They were noticed by airport police and walking in an area where there was live aircraft activity, the court was told.

There were two US military aircraft in the area at the time being guarded by members of the Irish Army and gardaí.

When questioned by airport police both deputies said they wanted to inspect the aircraft.

They had no identification and no permission to be there, the court heard.

Arresting Garda Sgt Noel O'Rourke informed deputies Wallace and Daly that being in the area without a permit may have been a criminal offence.

Deputy Wallace replied they had entered the airport in order to make a political statement regarding the use of Shannon for military purposes.

He said they wanted to bring this to the attention of the minister.

Sgt O'Rourke also noticed that Deputy Daly had a cut on her eye and injuries to her fingers and she informed him it had happened when she got over the fence.

A rope ladder found beside the perimeter of the fence was also shown to the court, and Deputy Wallace asked if he could have it back.

A security analyst, Dr Tom Clonan, who has written articles for the Irish Times on international security matters, gave evidence on behalf of the defence.

He said he got permission to board a US civilian aircraft at Shannon in 2006, in which he observed US troops putting pistols in the overhead bins.

He said and they also had automatic weapons at their feet.

Defence witness Roberto Zamora from Costa Rica, an international legal expert told the court the use of Shannon by US military aircraft is a violation of Irish neutrality and International law.

The case had been adjourned until 10 March for further evidence and Judge Patrick Durkin has indicated he will be reserving his judgement.