Clare’s Independent TD says any potential government support given to Aer Lingus to keep their transatlantic services at Shannon Airport must come with conditions attached.
Deputy Michael McNamara’s comments come amid renewed calls to enact the recommendations of the Aviation Taskforce’s report to support Shannon.
While Deputy Joe Carey said yesterday that Aer Lingus will maintain their transatlantic flights at Shannon Airport, there is still no confirmation of the airline’s continued commitment to Shannon.
News that it is reportedly offering aircraft, currently based at Shannon, to UK airports, have instead been met with widespread concern, including by one prominent aviation figure.
Aer Arann founder Padraig O’Ceidigh says Aer Lingus must be kept at Shannon, for the good of the West of Ireland
During his interview on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Padraig O’Ceidigh also criticised the lack of a government response to the report of the Aviation Recovery Taskforce, of which he was a member.
It published a report on the re-opening of the aviation sector in July, but he says he’s seen little government action since then
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has conceded that more of a response is needed, but he’s insisted the government won’t be found wanting.
Any government response will likely see direct financial support for airports and airlines, but Clare’s Independent TD says this should come with strings attached.
Michael McNamara lost the Labour Party whip in 2015 after voting against the sale of Aer Lingus shares, and says the Government needs to regain a shareholding with the airline to ensure that it continues to support Shannon.
