On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke began by speaking with Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar about yesterday’s long awaited announcement that Shannon Airport would be granted independence from the Dublin Airport Authority on a debt free basis
Under the plan unveiled by Leo Varadkar and Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton yesterday, Shannon Development will also be given a role in a new managerial body for the airport but the agency will lose all its tourism and industrial development functions
The government hopes Shannon can be developed as a centre for aviation activity, making use of thousands of acres of land adjoining the airport
Clare Fine Gael Deputy Pat Breen welcomed this as a necessary step forward for both the airport and the region
Shannon Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy said autonomy will enable Shannon Airport to compete independently for business “without the dead hand of the Dublin Airport Authority”
The Government announcement in relation to an autonomous Shannon Airport and Free Zone marked the culmination of years of lobbying from public bodies, regional development agencies, private organisations and politicians in the Mid West Region
Labour Deputy Michael McNamara said the status quo wasn’t working and now autonomy within state ownership will give it a fresh start – hoping to recreate pioneering spirit of the early days of Shannon
Joe Carey TD of Fine Gael believes The Transport Minister’s plans it will see new business coming into the Midwest
Shannon Chamber President Damien Gleeson said the decision "sparks a new future" for the airport – and also welcomed news that the IDA and Enterprise Ireland will take on the job of promoting investment in the region instead of Shannon Development
Residents and businesses in Shannon are broadly welcoming the Government’s decision to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority.
Speaking to Clare FM’s Gavin Grace locals expressed their hope that a new independent Midwest Airport would lead to turnaround in its fortunes bringing in new airlines and boost employment locally…
The Irish Hotels Federation’s Shannon based President Michael Vaughan says this is a momentous announcement marking a new era of opportunity for the region which will enable Shannon Airport to fulfil its potential to act as a significant tourism hub for the West coast of Ireland
Shannon Independent Councillor Patricia McCarthy and Senator Martin Conway of Fine Gael also had a word
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes also welcomed the plans but says clarity and detail are needed
John also spoke with Marian O’Meara- a B&B owner in Shannon, Flan Garvey of the Clare Tourist Council and Joe Hardacre – who worked on the very first flight that landed in Shannnon in 1945.
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