*Shannon Airport || Inset: Ray O’Driscoll
CLARE councillors have called for a meeting with the new CEO of the Shannon Airport Group to discuss developments and future opportunities at Shannon Airport.
The call was made by Cllr David Griffin (FF) at the September meeting of Clare County Council.
In a Notice of Motion, Cllr Griffin welcomed the appointment of Ray O’Driscoll as CEO of the Shannon Airport Group earlier this year and invited him to meet with elected members.
The proposed meeting would discuss ongoing developments at the airport, future development opportunities and its potential role as a hub for testing new aviation technologies.
Cllr Griffin also said the meeting could explore how the airport and Clare County Council could continue to work together on the county’s tourism offering.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Griffin welcomed Mr O’Driscoll’s appointment and said it was great to see Shannon Airport going from strength to strength.
He also highlighted what he described as a 16-year high in investment at the airport.
Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), who seconded the motion, supported the proposal.
Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said the motion was important, describing Shannon Airport as a driver of economic activity and job creation.
Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) also described the motion as “very important”, saying the airport was a huge asset for the county.
He highlighted the securing of a new Air Canada route between Shannon and Toronto as a major achievement, describing Shannon as a gateway to North America.
Cllr Shannon also acknowledged the contribution of Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary to the airport.
Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) supported the motion and reflected on Shannon Airport’s position in 2011, when he said Shannon was an “industrial wasteland”.
He said the airport had since been “revolutionalised and changed” and described its progress as a “phenomenal success”.
The discussion comes shortly after Air Canada announced plans for a new seasonal non-stop service between Shannon and Toronto from June 10 to October 3, 2027.
The service will operate three times a week and will provide a direct connection between Shannon and Canada.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
