Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar joined John Cooke on Monday’s Morning Focus
Minister Varadkar and the wider Cabinet will make a decision in the next few weeks on the future of Shannon Airport
The Booz and Company report said there is "an urgent need to consider alternative ownership" of Shannon so the airport can generate new revenue streams
It stated the day-to-day running of Shannon Airport needs to be taken over by a specialist airport operator if it is to be given the best chance of increasing airport traffic and returning to full viability
Booz and Company have recommended two options for Shannon Airport
Under this first option, Shannon would separate completely from DAA and would be run by an outsider operator for up to 35 years
The second option, offered up by the global management consultants, is to restructure the DAA and have similar independent subsidiary boards at each of the airports.
Ireland’s international reputation is in the ascendancy again and will reap rewards despite the current difficulties -that’s according to one of the world’s leading hoteliers and Galway native Gerald Lawless
Speaking at the Shannon College of Hotel Management graduation of 62 students from six countries – all of which have gained employment, Mr Lawless predicted the tourism industry will continue to recover, not least because of the restored competitiveness of the Irish market
Philip Smith, Director of Shannon College of Hotel Management and Kilrush graduate Kelly Claire who is currently working in a hotel in Kent had a word with John.
The Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes will leave tomorrow for New York for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with the unanimous support of his fellow councillors
He has been invited to represent the Banner County in the Big Apple on March 17th, and will attend a number of functions while there
Leaving tomorrow morning with four officials at a cost of 12,000 euro.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division appealed for the public’s assistance in providing information on crimes committed in the past seven days. Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe spoke about the borrowing difficulties for first time buyers
As always the Money Doctor was happy to answer listeners personal finance questions www.themoneydoctor.ie
John Murphy, Clare Chairman of Birdwatch Ireland was in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries
He also discussed the Heritage Minister’s comment that a national cull of wild mink would be cost-prohibitive
Last week Jimmy Deenihan announced a twenty-thousand-euro ‘bounty scheme’, mainly for those who kill the animals, mainly in Counties Donegal, Kerry, Mayo and Galway
His Department is also concentrating protecting the nesting site of rare and threatened ground birds
Last year it was estimated that as many as 33-thousand wild mink exist here – even on the Great Blasket and Puffin islands.
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