Ryanair has today warned that its planned €50m investment in a new 4-bay aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar and Engineering Academy at Shannon Airport, along with 300 high-skilled jobs, will move to Poland unless the project receives planning permission and can be delivered on schedule.
It follows Clare County Council requesting further information on the project overthe company’s plan to erect a two metre high berm for the storage of contaminated soils.
The local authority has told Ryanair it has serious concerns over the proposed berm’s proximity to sensitive environmental receptors including the Shannon estuary and the potential environmental effects arising from the construction and operational phases.
The Council’s also cited the potential impact on human health and the long term effects of the berm which may sterilise development lands within the airport and has asked Ryanair to submit a comprehensive justification for the proposed berm including an assessment of alternative soil management options and to demonstrate why the proposed approach represents the most appropriate solution.
It means the planning decision will be pushed back by at least six months.
The council has asked Wonderlight to have regard in its response to environmental protection, human health, land use efficiency and the long term objectives of Shannon airport.
The airline announced plans in July for a new 4-bay aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar and Engineering Academy at Shannon Airport.
The development would significantly expand Ryanair’s existing maintenance operations at Shannon, where its current 3-bay hangar supports over 200 high-skilled, high-paid mechanics and engineering jobs.
In a statement to Clare FM, Ryanair says “its due to get the first of its 300 new Boeing MAX-10 aircraft in early 2027 and our rapidly growing fleet requires additional maintenance capacity by 2028. We cannot afford planning delays or endless bureaucracy. If Shannon cannot deliver this project on time, then we will move the hangar and 300 jobs to Poland. Construction of the Shannon facility must commence in early 2027.”
