The CEO of Aer Lingus has said there’s no strategic intent to reduce connectivity to either Shannon or Cork.
Lynne Embletone has met with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Hildegard Naughton in the wake of the company’s decision to permanently close its Shannon base, with a temporary closure planned for it’s Cork base.
It comes as the Mayor of Clare has said she doesn’t have confidence in the Transport Minister to persuade the company to reverse it’s decision.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Hildegard Naughton met with Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton yesterday, for what’s described as “an open and frank engagement between the Ministers and the airline”.
A statement from the Department of Transport says both ministers acknowledged the difficult and unprecedented challenges being faced by Aer Lingus and their staff, and the cost pressures leading to their decision.
The Ministers reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the industry and reassured the airline that there would be no cliff-edge in supports.
The meeting also focused on the future operations of the company in Ireland, with the Ministers outlining their hopes for a resumption of travel from Cork and Shannon when the situation allows.
The Ministers welcomed confirmation by Ms Embleton that there is no strategic intent to reduce connectivity at either Cork or Shannon, while acknowledging that the restoration of services would depend on market circumstances.
Ministers Ryan and Naughton also met with Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine and CEO of Cork Airport, Niall McCarthy to brief them on the situation and reiterated their support for the airports and their important role in regional development.
It comes as the Mayor of Clare has said she doesn’t have confidence in the Minister or the Department of Transport to persuade Aer Lingus to reverse its decision to permanently close its Shannon base.
Mayor of Clare and Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says she’s disappointed in the Minister and the Department’s response.
Meanwhile, the government’s plan for the resumption of air travel will be revealed next week.
The Taoiseach says it’ll be part of his ‘comprehensive statement’ about how restrictions will ease in June and July.
Micheál Martin says we need to ‘reboot’ the aviation sector as it’s crucial to the economy.
You can hear from Minister Hildegard Naughton, following on from that meeting, on Clare Fm’s Morning Focus this Thursday morning.
