Clare’s Fine Gael Senator is renewing calls for a multi-annual commitment from the Government to financially support Shannon Airport.
It comes as 4.3 million euro has been set aside today towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at the Midwest airport today.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, has today announced a 16 million euro package under the Regional Airports Programme.
Shannon is receiving more than a quarter of this funding, with the rest being divided out between Cork, Knock, Donegal and Kerry airports.
The Department says the funding will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at Shannon, along with enhanced sustainability measures.
Minister Hildegarde Naughton says it’s a positive day for the Midwest region.
The CEO of Shannon Group says there are still a ‘challenging few years ahead’ for the aviation sector.
In a statement welcoming the news, Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine says the funding is a ‘welcome support’ as the airport continues its recovery from the Covid pandemic.
The Group says it’s committed to looking at ‘further innovations’ across Shannon, after it recently became the first airport to install technology allowing the 100 millilitre rule on liquids in cabin bags to be removed.
It’s prompted renewed calls for Shannon to be granted permanent access to the Regional Airports Programme funding stream.
Ennistymon-based Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says medium to long term State support should be committed to by the Government as soon as possible.
Today’s funding announcement comes as the airport has been recognised for its efforts in tackling emissions by the Airport Council International Europe’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.
