MEMBERS of the cross-party Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group have issued a commitment to advocate for the International Airport’s use at every opportunity.
On Monday, the first meeting of the re-established Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group took place at Shannon Airport. CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine described the meeting as “positive”.
TDs and Senators from Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Galway attended the engagement. There are twenty four members on the group. All four Clare TDs, Cathal Crowe (FF), Timmy Dooley (FF), Joe Cooney (FG) and Donna McGettigan (SF) were in attendance.
Speaking following the meeting, Ms Considine outlined, “We were pleased to meet with Oireachtas members who have pledged their support for Shannon Airport as a crucial national asset. The airport is vital for business travellers, tourists, and cargo. In today’s globalised economy, connectivity and resilience are paramount, and strengthening regional airports is essential to build resilience and avoid over-dependence on one airport”.
Chair of the Oireachtas Group, Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) commented, “We are committed to advocating at every opportunity for the use of Shannon Airport and for policies that recognise the strategic importance of Shannon and promote balanced regional development”.
He continued, “Strengthening Shannon Airport is crucial for building resilience in Ireland’s air travel infrastructure and promoting balanced regional development. A priority of the Group is for an immediate review of National Aviation Policy and to seek continued State funding under the Regional Airports Programme”.
Considine added, “We welcome the commitment from Oireachtas members to advocate for policy changes that promote the aviation sector in Shannon, further the cause of Shannon Airport, and enhance Ireland’s resilience. This support is of particular importance”.
“We appreciate their backing as we continue to advocate for a new National Aviation Policy that considers the country as a whole and its considerable underused capacity to ensure the effective use of state assets like Shannon Airport. We also call for the permanent inclusion of Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme. The importance of improved direct public transport services to Shannon Airport, including bus and rail connections will be crucial, and a significant increase in funding for the Tourism Ireland Regional Co-operative Marketing Support Scheme to bolster regional tourism is urgently required”.
