A Clare Government TD believes the fight to reverse Aer Lingus’ decision to close their base at Shannon Airport isn’t over.
It follows Aer Lingus’ CEO, Lynne Embleton’s insistence at yesterday’s Oireactas Transport Committee meeting that the company would not change their minds in relation to the base closure, nor would they accept any conditionality attached to government funding.
The airline want the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme be extended into next year, a rebate for airport charges and for route specific supports.
Aer Lingus is also in talks with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to secure further funding – a state-controlled agency which has previously loaned Aer Lingus €150 million.
Clarecastle-based Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey says the government needs to use this as leverage to secure the Shannon cabin crew base.
