*Shannon Group CEO, Mary Considine with Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton. Photograph: Arthur Ellis
Appointment of a new Chair of Shannon Group has reached its final stages.
Shannon Group has been without a Chairperson since Rose Hynes’ twelve month contract extension expired in August of last year, a planned appointment of Cavan native Aaron Forde fell through when disparaging social media comments by the former Chair of Ornua came to light.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton (FG) have met with the candidates shortlisted via the public appointments service (PAS) process last week.
The Clare Echo understands that Department officials are hopeful of making an appointment by the end of September.
In response to a parliamentary question from Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND), Minister Ryan explained, “In line with normal arrangements for the appointment of Chairs to State Boards, the Chair designate will be required to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications before being formally appointed as Chair of Shannon Group”.
Deputy McNamara has urged the Department to “proceed without delay” due to the significance of the role. “It is critically important that the successful candidate be someone with the experience to provide strategic direction to Shannon Group plc’s aviation and property businesses, as well as the proposed transfer of Clare-based Shannon Heritage tourism assets to Clare County Council”.
