Clare Councillors Convene Emergency Meeting Over Aer Lingus

An emergency meeting of Clare County Council has been called to discuss the potential sale of Aer Lingus.

The bid by IAG for the former flag carrier is causing a great deal of concern in the Midwest amid fears that the company could transfer Heathrow slots away from Shannon Airport if it takes over. 

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The gathering comes as concerns of vested interests in Shannon are set to speak at a  special hearing of the Oireachtas Transport Committee this afternoon. 

Fears are hieghtened here in Clare over the impact a sale of Aer Lingus could have on Shannon Airport and the region at large. 

It's not clear what IAG, the parent of British Airways, would like to do with the former flag carrier's Heathrow slots if it's takeover bid is successful – however the concern is that it would transfer them away from Shannon. 

Clare County Council is to hold an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss the entire situation. 

One of those who's requested the gathering is Independent Cllr Christy Curtin, he says the connection to Heathrow is of utmost importance to this region. 

The  decision comes as concerns here set to be heard at a special meeting of the Oireachtas Transport Committee this afternoon. 

Shannon Chamber of Commerce and representatives of Shannon Group, which runs the Airport and is responsible for the surrounding industrial zones, will both appear at that hearing which gets underway in just under an hour's time. 

While the Transport Minister this morning briefed Labour TDs and Senators in a bid to deal with their opposition over the possible sale of Aer Lingus. 

Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch says opposition is high in her party to the potential sale of Aer Lingus.