If Government Are Real About Regional Development Theyll Protect Shannon Airport
Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has called on the government to stop dawdling and step in to support Shannon Airport – the Airport is an economic lynchpin of economies in Munster and Connacht, and must not be sacrificed to government failures at the expense of the people’s livelihoods.
Tóibín: “Shannon Airport is in jeopardy. Aer Lingus presence in Shannon is up in the air. The airport has lost out on corporate jet business as a result of restricted business hours. Aer Lingus continues to operate out of Dublin, Belfast and Cork – whilst not operating out of Shannon. Foreign Direct Investment has been jeopardised. Employees out of work. Airport passenger traffic is estimated to be down at least 70%. Industry experts predict that it could take up to three years for air traffic and business to return to pre-Coronavirus levels. It is inexplicable that the Irish government is failing to take the threat to the crucial national interest that is Shannon Airport.”
“Shannon Airport is a key cog in connecting businesses from across the globe with regions outside of Dublin. Why is the Irish government failing to recognise this & step in to support Shannon – saving countless jobs, livelihoods and investment in the process? It is hard to believe that if Dublin airport were in the same position, that the government would similarly dawdle about stepping in. Shannon Airport is a key source of employment in the region, and a conduit for businesses, investment and tourists. Why can this M50-blinkered not see this and intervene?”
“Quite simply, the government must step to save Shannon Airport, and to preserve the economic life source the Airport represents to the region”.