A number of soldiers based at Custume Barracks in Athlone will begin air travel security training this week.
40 members of the defence forces stationed at the local barracks have been seconded to the Department of Transport for a contingency plan for Dublin Airport.
Should there be a spike in infections or absences among airport security officers leading to staff shortages, the troops will be deployed to help manage the situation.
The locally based Defence Force members will start preparatory training over the coming days in Dublin, with the contingency plan set to cover the 6th of July to the 15th of August.
The move has raised concerns among airport staff, with unions saying staff will not work alongside soldiers.
Independent TD and former Army Ranger, Cathal Berry believes Dublin Airport staff are standing in solidarity with troops by refusing to work with them at airport security.
''The main reason why the airport trade unions are against working side by side with the soldiers is actually a mark of solidarity with the soldiers. They recognise that these soldiers will be on a fraction of the salary of their civilian equivalent and that's the main motive.''
