Concern is being expressed about the knock-on impact on business in the Midwest, if a major EU hub isn’t secured for Shannon Airport quickly.
Management at the Midwest facility are to submit a detailed plan to the Department of Transport, with a view to attracting such a destination.
Local councillors are welcoming the move but say it must be of the utmost urgency.
Brexit is now just five weeks away and if Britain leaves the EU as planned, it will take Shannon Airport’s only EU hub of London Heathrow with it.
This has led to serious concern here in Clare.
Through Heathrow, Shannon has onward transfers to virtually anywhere in the world with the ease of the EU – and now, that is under threat.
Following a meeting between Shannon Group and Transport Minister Shane Ross, arranged by Limerick Senator Kieran O’Donnell, it’s now been confirmed that Shannon Airport management will submit a detailed plan on how a new EU hub might be secured.
Fianna Fáil Shannon Municipal District Councillor Pat McMahon is welcoming the news and says without it, business in this region is threatened.
The possibility of losing an EU hub has been discussed several times in the County Council Chambers since the Brexit vote and with some movement on reversing that now, focus is turning to where it should be.
Fine Gael’s John Crowe favours a link with France, which will be our nearest EU neighbours post-Brexit.
