Shannon Airport Autonomy Welcomed By Council
Clare County Council has today (Wednesday, 09 May 2012) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Transport, Mr. Leo Varadkar, T.D., and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr. Richard Bruton, TD., of the Government’s decision to separate Shannon International Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).
The Council said it was “satisfied” that the Government had approved a proposal, put forward by the Local Authority to consultants Booz & Company in late 2011, that Shannon Airport, the Shannon Free Zone and the surrounding airport landbank be separated from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and placed under a single public management model.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes said the granting of full autonomy to the airport is something that has long been sought and argued for by Clare County Council and its elected members.
“Under the control of the Dublin Airport Authority, Shannon has been restricted in its efforts to maintain existing and secure new business. An independent management model will allow the airport to consolidate its existing operations at the facility and implement a growth strategy that will reverse declining passenger numbers and attract new business. This is something that has not been possible under the stewardship of the DAA. In order to fully realise the independent model, it is critically important that the debt free status for Shannon Airport be confirmed without delay” stated Mayor Hayes.
Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan commented: “The Council very much welcomes the Ministers’ commitment to having the local authorities play a key role in the future development of the region and the fulfilment of the vision set out by Government. It is imperative that Clare County Council continues to be fully involved in influencing the future development of Shannon Airport and the airport landbank. The Council has already exercised leadership in such a role, as evidenced by the Clare County Development Plan 2012-17 which has set out a blueprint for the future development of the airport and the surrounding landbank.”
