Conal Henry, Chair the Shannon Airport Group, Minister Jack Chambers and Mary Considine, CEO the Shannon Airport Group. Photograph: Arthur Ellis.
JUNIOR MINISTER, Jack Chambers (FF) made his first visit to Shannon Airport since his appointment within the Department of Transport.
Chambers who is a Minister of State at the Department of Transport toured Shannon Airport and met with staff on Friday. During his visit, he also met with Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) staff at its air traffic control centre in Shannon and Department staff who are based within the town.
Speaking on RTÉ on Saturday, the Junior Minister said no discussions focused on drone activity outside Shannon Airport.
Chairperson of Shannon Airport Group, Conal Henry and CEO Mary Considine greeted the Dublin West TD, they briefed him on the facilities and operations at the airport and activities across the broader Shannon Campus. They also gave a presentation on the Group’s activities and its strong recovery as it rebuilds its business in the aftermath of the pandemic.
According to the Junior Minister, “County Clare is an integral part of our transport network. Shannon Airport highlights this as it continues to expand its range of destinations”. He pointed to the passenger numbers of 1.51m last year in emphasising “the importance of this airport to the region’s connectivity and trade, and the importance of continuing to engage with Shannon Airport which both myself and the Government are committed to”.
Customers can avail of “world class facilities” at Shannon Airport, the Galway native maintained. He added, “We know the impact the Group has as an economic driver for the region in attracting both FDI and indigenous business, along with providing vital air connectivity for the Midwest and beyond. It has been great to discuss the future development plans for the Group which will no doubt be of great benefit to the region.”
Commenting on the ministerial visit, Mary Considine, stated, “It was great to welcome Minister Chambers to Shannon Airport, and to have the opportunity to highlight the progress we have made since the pandemic, in providing vital connectivity for the region and our plans for growth. It was also great to showcase the upgrades we have made to our core infrastructure, with thanks to Government support and to update the Minister on some of the exciting and innovative developments taking place across the Shannon Campus”.
Pre COVID-19, it had been Government policy that State-owned airports operate on a fully commercial basis with no recourse to Exchequer funding. However, in recognition of the devastating impact COVID-19 had on airports, Exchequer funding of over €34 million has been provided to Shannon Airport since the onset of COVID-19, by way of aviation specific supports. Shannon Airport will also be eligible for supports under the Regional Airports Programme in 2023, with the airports capital project proposals currently being assessed by the Department.
