LOCAL business leaders have commended the decision by Aer Lingus to reinstate the Shannon to Heathrow link after its closure last January. A commercially sound decision by the company with an aim to improve the profitablility of Aer Lingus was one of the major drives behind the announcemnt made this Monday.
Welcoming the announcement by Aer Lingus, Limerick Chamber president, Sean Lally said, “We are delighted to welcome Aer Lingus back to Shannon Airport. This is something which we have continued to lobby for on behalf of our members since the routes were discontinued 12 months ago. The restoration of these flights is a clear indicator that the region has both the critical mass and commercial viability to warrant their return”.
“In a time of uncertainty this is a very positive result for the region. The loss of the route had a major negative impact on tourism and industry at the worst possible time for these sectors. With contracts on the Gort to Crusheen section of the proposed upgrade of the N18 at tender, and the Limerick Tunnel Project proceeding ahead of schedule the catchment area of the airport is due to expand further, improving future potential in both business and private use so the restoration of these flights is of vital importance for the future growth of the entire Western seaboard. ”
Meantime, IBEC Mid West director, Chris O’Donovan also warmly welcomed the restoration of the Shannon Heathrow link stating, “The restoration of this connection is a huge boost to the Mid West. It restores an essential link to one of the world’s most important airport hubs giving the region truly international access”.
“The findings of the IBEC survey of business opinion on the loss of the link conducted in August 2007, demonstrated the vital importance of maintaining the Shannon Heathrow air slots, which act as a bridge connecting western regions with vital global markets and infrastructure. Connectivity to global markets is critical for both regional industry and tourism now more than ever, and Heathrow provides this global gateway.”
‘With connectivity to international markets through Paris Charles de Gaulle and Heathrow, it is strongly believed that Ireland and in particular the Mid West will be in a stronger position to compete in global markets. This coupled with the recent announcement that Shannon will next year become the first airport outside North America with full pre-clearance facilities for the US, certainly puts Shannon and the Mid West economy in a competitive position for 2009.”
