Clare TDs from across the political divide are calling on the Minister for Transport to insert a proviso in any sale of Aer Lingus – that protects the airlines slots at Heaththrow.
The firm has been the subject of a number of bids which has led to concern over the impact a sale could have on Shannon Airport services into Heathrow.
The Minister for Transport says he is acutely aware of the importance of Aerlingus' Heathrow slots to Ireland's connectivity to the rest of the world.
Paschal Donohue says the issue goes beyond any regional concerns, like those here in Clare about the possible impact any change could have on Shannon Airport, tourism here and the local economy, and is of National significance.
Fine Gael Clarecastle TD Joe Carey is says the slots at London Heaththrow must be protected:
The government owns a minority shareholding of 25.1 per cent of the airline and Minister Donohue says he is restricted in what he can say publicaly as an offer period is underway.
While Fianna Fáil's Transport Spokesperson Clare TD Timmy Dooley says the government must keep its share of Aerlingus.
