A MAJOR new aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility has been proposed for Shannon Airport, with plans lodged for a new hangar building, staff accommodation and associated infrastructure.
Wonderlight Ltd has submitted a planning application to Clare County Council for the development at Lindbergh Avenue and Earhart Avenue, Shannon Airport.
The development would include the construction of a two-storey building, with the ground floor providing a four-bay aircraft hangar alongside training facilities, storage areas, toilets, plant rooms and other ancillary spaces.
The first floor would include staff accommodation, offices, a canteen, conference rooms and locker facilities, while the building would also feature rooftop solar panels and corporate signage.
The planning statement submitted with the application says the facility would support the continued growth of operations at Shannon Airport and allow for the expansion of aircraft maintenance services and employment in the region.
The plans include a new vehicle and pedestrian access from Lindbergh Avenue, improved pedestrian links to the existing bus stop on Airport Avenue, internal circulation areas and four taxi apron zones connecting to the existing aircraft taxiway.
A new surface car park with 199 spaces is proposed, including accessible parking and electric vehicle charging spaces, along with sheltered bicycle parking for 23 bicycles.
The development would also include a chemical and refuse storage building, an ESB substation/switchroom, two generator structures, a gas skid installation, underground static storage water tanks and a foul pumping station connection to the existing sewer network.
The application also includes the removal of an existing outbuilding, tanks, concrete yard and associated hardstanding areas at the site.
During site investigations, contaminated soil, including PFAS-impacted material linked to the site’s former use as a fire training ground, was identified.
The planning documents state that this material would be excavated and relocated to a designated containment berm within the site.
The proposed development is located on lands zoned for “Airport” development under the Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan, with the applicant stating that the MRO facility is compatible with the airport zoning objective.
A Natura Impact Statement accompanied the application because of the site’s proximity to the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation and the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area.
A submission or observation in relation to the application can be made in writing to the planning authority for a prescribed fee of €20.
This must be done within five weeks of the authority first receiving the planning application.
The application was lodged on July 31, 2026, with submissions accepted until September 3. Clare County Council is due to make a decision by September 24.
