Clare’s Oireachtas members believe further supports will be needed for Shannon Airport within the National Economic Plan.
€8.4 million has been set aside for operational and capital costs at the county’s airport by the government.
While the move has been broadly welcomed, it’s believed more will be needed to assist the Airport.
This money comes from an overall 80 million euro support package for the aviation sector, with the allocation for Shannon to be split between operational and capital expenses.
Shannon Group has welcomed the announcement, saying it will benefit businesses here as well as the airport itself, and allowing the airport to ‘navigate’ its way through the current crisis.
Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway has admitted he would have preferred an announcement sooner – but that the funding will provide short and medium term reassuarance for management and staff.
In a further potential boost for traffic at the region’s airport, a further government announcement last night could mean more passengers passing through Shannon this Christmas.
The EU’s long-awaited traffic-light system will come into effect on November 29th, and will mean people won’t have to self isolate once they pass a COVID-19 test, five days after their arrival.
However, Editor of Air and Travel magazine Eoghan Corry says this will be a game changer for the business community, but less so for people who want to go on holidays.
Clare’s Independent TD, meanwhile, believes attention now needs to turn to what summer 2021 will look like in the aviation and tourism industries here locally.
Aer Lingus has said its Heathrow and transatlantic routes won’t be restored to Shannon until then – with Ryanair’s position remaining unclear.
Scariff-based Deputy Michael McNamara says for the industry to thrive, advice needs to be given sooner rather than later.
