It’s claimed a collaborative effort between Councils in the MidWest region will be key part in turning around the fortunes of Shannon Airport.
Shannon Group admits that it’s proving a difficult year, with passenger numbers set to fall:
2019 continues to prove a challenging year for Shannon Airport.
The global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft has seen Norwegian Airlines and Air Canada move flights out of the Airport, costing it some 120,000 passengers and the region’s economy around €58 million.
As concern grows in Clare for the future of the airport, the acting CEO of Shannon Group addressed a special meeting of Clare County Council last night to discuss the matter.
Mary Considine says it’s vital that the likes of Tourism Ireland puts the work in to ensure the Wild Atlantic Way is known around the world, to encourage people into the Midwest:
Following last evening’s meeting, it was decided that a meeting with the Transport Minister will be sought to progress the matter.
It will include the Cathaoirligh of each Municipal District in Clare, as well as Shannon Group, should the Minister accept the invitation.
But Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn, is sceptical Shane Ross will meet him – and says he has no faith in the Minister.
Now, focus is turning to what can be done at a local level to ensure that Shannon Airport has a viable future and can turn the downward trend around.
Fine Gael Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe says it’s time for a collaborative approach between all County Councils of the region in order to bring about a change in fortune.
And despite calls for the government to start providing funding for Shannon, Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan wants them to stay out.
