A Minister for State at the Department of Transport insists that everything will be done by the Government to ensure connectivity at Shannon Airport is maintained.
Minister Hildegarde Naughton, together with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan met with Aer Lingus CEO yesterday, to discuss the airline’s decision to permanently close its base in Shannon.
It comes as Clare’s Sinn Féin TD has criticised the Government response to the announcement, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
Minister Naughton and Ryan met with Aer Lingus’s CEO yesterday, as part of Government efforts to encourage the airline to reverse the decision to close it’s Shannon Airport base.
They reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the industry and reassured the airline that there would be no cliff-edge in supports.
While Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton told Ministers that there’s no strategic intent to reduce connectivity to either Shannon or Cork, but that the restoration of services would depend on market circumstances.
Speaking following the meeting, Minister Hildegarde Naughton says the Government acknowledges that connectivity, including the Heathrow slots, are critical for the Midwest region.
But Clare’s Sinn Féin TD has criticised the Government response to the situation, saying she believes no steps have been taken to instill confidence and provide reassurance to Shannon Airport workers.
Kilrush Deputy Violet Ann Wynne insists the Government response to concerns over the future of Shannon has been too slow.
Oireachtas members from this county will meet with Clare’s Councillors next week to discuss Aer Lingus’ decision.
Mayor of Clare and Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says she’s fearful if the move goes ahead in July as planned, it may impact economic investment in Clare in the short, medium and long term.
