Clare’s Independent TD is calling for a policy change, which would see support given to Shannon to boost connectivity and traffic numbers.
It comes after the Transport Minister revealed the midwest airport is facing a ten million euro bill to upgrade screening equipment, and that he’ll give them no financial support to cover this.
Minister Shane Ross has revealed that Shannon Airport is facing a €10 million bill that will present what he calls “significant difficulties” for the group.
He’s told the Dáil the the money must be spent to upgrade equipment, which allow the airport comply with revised screening standards that relate to baggage in the hold.
Shannon will have to fund the expensive equipment, which includes includes systems to detect explosives and security scanners, from within its own resources, as it receives no State subvention.
The State backs Ireland’s smaller airports, however, and could back Shannon too, as EU laws have been amended to allow airports of fewer than 3 million passengers receive aid for investment in safety and security.
Pressed by Clare’s Independent TD, Dr Michael Harty on the matter, Minister Ross has indicated little willingness to change this approach.
On the wider point of State support for Shannon and the MidWest, Deputy Harty also told the Dáril that he believes Shannon’s ability to increase its passenger numbers and be a successful airport is a related issue.
In 2016, around 12.6 million euro was invested in marketing in Ireland, but Dr Michael Harty claimed the vast majority of that is being spent in the Dublin region, which gets 87% of incoming traffic.
He’s calling for a policy change so that Tourism Ireland is set regional targets when it comes to attracting additional traffic and connectivity.
