Representatives from Shannon Group and the Department of Transport are being called on to appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee in the wake of the shock resignation of Pádraig Ó Céidigh.
The founder of Aer Arann Express and Aer Lingus Regional confirmed his decision to step down from his position as Chair of Shannon Group last evening.
Only seven months on from his appointment as Shannon Group Chair, Pádraig Ó Céidigh last night confirmed his decision in writing to Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
The founder of Aer Arann Express and Aer Lingus Regional has told Clare FM that it would be “more than a full-time job to do the role to the degree and detail required, given the circumstances, to get the airport to reach its potential”.
The former Senator had set a target of 2024 to get back to pre-pandemic levels of passenger numbers.
Prior to Ó Céidigh’s appointment, the role had been vacant for more than a year, following Rose Hynes’ resignation in August 2020 and it was the second appointment to the position in the intervening period.
Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, Sean Lally believes the Government now needs to re-examine the structure of the role as he believes it will be difficult to find a replacement of his calibre.
With the focus now turning to filling the position once again, calls are being made on Shannon Group and Transport Department Representatives to appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who’s his party’s Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation, says questions need to be answered on why the role was vacated.
The Meelick-based Deputy says a suitable replacement must be found as soon as possible.
The CEO of Shannon Group has thanked Pádraig Ó Céidigh for his contribution, as they continue to rebuild their business in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement earlier today, Mary Considine wished him well in his future endeavours.
