Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney (IND) with CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine.
JUNIOR MINISTER, Seán Canney (IND) made his first visit to Shannon Airport since taking on the role at the beginning of this year.
An update on the Shannon Airport Group’s €30m investment programme was outlined to the Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports during his visit on Thursday. He met with CEO, Mary Considine where the Group’s strategic initiatives and recent developments were discussed.
Officials in the Shannon Airport Group have stressed it was an important meeting regarding ongoing engagement with the Department of Transport.
Earlier this year, the Shannon Airport Group commenced its €30m investment programme. This includes airport terminal upgrades, the redevelopment of Gates 1–5, and Ireland’s first solar PV farm on airport lands—a flagship sustainability project. The programme also features over 140,000 sq ft of new R&D space at Shannon Airport Business Park, of which two units totalling 100,000 sq ft are set to begin construction in late 2025.
Acknowledging the Group’s important role in Ireland’s transport and logistics sector, Minister of State Canney said, “Shannon Airport is a vital gateway for Ireland and a cornerstone of our national airport network. I am deeply impressed by the ambition shown by The Shannon Airport Group in advancing connectivity, sustainability, and economic opportunity for the region. I have seen first-hand how the passenger experience drives innovation at the Airport with more and more travellers choosing Shannon Airport as a result. I am heartened to see the airport’s strong growth trajectory continuing with passengers up 7% so far this year, reflecting the vital role Shannon Airport plays in providing connectivity for both leisure and business customers”.
CEO Considine stated, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Canney to Shannon Airport – a strategic national asset with a vital role to play in rebalancing aviation in Ireland. With 40% of the population in our catchment area and 70% of the tourism workforce based outside Dublin, regional connectivity is not just important – it’s essential to national growth. Nearly 4 in 10 tourists arriving in Dublin travel west and aviation policy must reflect this reality and support airports like Shannon in driving balanced economic development”.
She added, “The Minister’s visit highlights the importance of strong collaboration between government and regional transport hubs. We look forward to continuing our work to deliver world-class services and infrastructure that benefit our passengers, our partners, and the national economy”.
