The Minister for Rural and Community Development is hopeful Aer Lingus may reverse their decision to close their cabin crew base as the economy picks up.
It comes as the Taoiseach is holding a virtual meeting with four nominated members of staff this afternoon.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin is to conduct a video call with four Aer Lingus staff members based at Shannon Airport this afternoon.
Four nominated workers will have the opportunity to air their concerns about the future of workers in the MidWest following Aer Lingus’ decision to close their cabin crew base locally.
The meeting will bear added weight following the airline’s decision to row back on plans to temporarily lay off more than 150 staff at their Cork base.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys on her visit to Clare today acknowledged the blow the move poses for the region.
She insists government will continue to engage with the airline.
Clare’s Independent TD is taking issue with the fact the meeting is taking place virtually.
Deputy Michael McNamara is calling on the government to prioritise Shannon Airport in the decisions they make.
The Scariff TD says he was led to believe the Taoiseach would meet with the workers in person and feels it’s the least they deserve.
Meanwhile, Clare’s Fianna Fáil Deputy admits there’s a small bit of “clutching at straws” in relation to efforts to reverse Aer Lingus’ decision to close the base locally – despite asking the Taoiseach to meet with staff.
Deputy Cathal Crowe, who’s his party’s spokesperson on aviation, says the majority of staff in Shannon have either opted to take redundancy or be transferred elsewhere.
However, he still believes that a dialogue between the airline and the government is possible.
