MARY CONSIDINE’s vision during her six year tenure as CEO of the Shannon Airport Group has been lauded.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Mary was stepping down from her current post to become the new CEO of Iarnród Éireann.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said “Mary Considine has led Shannon Group with great vision over the past six years, most notably through a very difficult time for the aviation sector during COVID-19. Mary’s vision as Shannon Group CEO has seen significant developments not only for Shannon Airport but for Shannon town, County Clare, the Mid-West region and the businesses and industries who are supported by Shannon Airport and the Shannon Group’s wider portfolio”.
He maintained that Shannon Airport’s offering, infrastructure and passenger experience “has all hugely improved” under her leadership. “Many people said that, post COVID, the airport wouldn’t bounce back but it certainly has and it now has passenger numbers that are at a fifteen year height. There are many welcome new routes in the past few years and more new routes coming again in 2026”.
Deputy Crowe who is Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson Aviation & Logistics, and the Chairperson of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group acknowledged how the Lissycasey woman placed Shannon on a “firm footing and upward trajectory”.
Crowe continued, “I want to wholeheartedly Mary on her appointment as CEO of Irish Rail. Of course, she is taking over from another great Clare person, outgoing Irish Rail CEO Jim Meade, who is from Cooraclare and I wish Jim all the very best in his retirement.
“As an avid public transport user myself, who travels by train every week to the Dáil, and who has long lobbied for increased rail services and connections in Clare, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mary in her new role. There are many projects which I hope to see advanced during Mary’s tenure as CEO of Irish Rail. Most importantly for Clare would be the re-opening of the Crusheen train station, the Shannon Airport rail spur, which Mary will understand very well, and the opening of new stops between Sixmilebridge and Limerick”.
