Shannon Airport must be aided in their recovery - Lowry

"The importance of Shannon Airport to the Mid-West Region cannot be overstated. Air connectivity is crucial for regional economic development and sustainability," said Deputy Lowry when addressing the recovery and reopening of Tourism and Aviation in the Dail on Thursday.

"Expert studies and analysis have proven that Shannon Airport has a hugely positive impact on the local economy. More crucially, it has shown that huge untapped potential exists that would not only assist with the development of the Midwest Region, but the country as a whole.

"Shannon Airport must be aided in their recovery. While the closure of Cork Airport for necessary repairs and upgrades will be beneficial to Shannon Airport for a short period of 10 to 12 weeks, it requires a long-term plan to hold its place as a port of choice.

"During the period of the closure of Cork Airport, Aer Lingus will once again re-open their cabin crew base at Shannon, which they closed in the early summer of this year.

"Negotiations must take place with Aer Lingus to ensure that they maintain this base in Shannon when works to Cork Airport are completed. This would be a major vote of confidence for the future of Shannon Airport.

"I welcome the appointment of Mr. Padraig O Ceidigh as Chairman of the Shannon Group. He has the knowledge, the experience and the capability to give excellent leadership at a time of unprecedented challenge for Shannon Airport and the MidWest economy. I support the recommendation of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, of which I’m a member, that his position be given the status of Executive Chairman."