THE exclusion of the local authority from the three groups established to oversee the restructuring of Shannon Airport and Shannon Development is “unacceptable,” according to the Mayor of Clare. Clare County Council had requested inclusion on the steering group, having spent a considerable amount of time and resources formulating its County Development Plan, which includes special provisions for Shannon Airport.
“It is unacceptable that Clare’s key management authority has been excluded from a process whereby the county’s primary infrastructure asset is being restructured,” said Mayor Pat Hayes, following the release of steering group details.
“No local authority representative is on any of the three groups”.
He said it is difficult to see how the new entity will help to achieve strong regional development, when Clare County Council, particularly in its role as planning authority for Clare, is excluded from the restructuring process”.
Calling on the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, to explain this decision, he queried the exclusion of reference to Aer Rianta International.
“The proposed position regarding the retention of Aer Rianta International by the Dublin Airport Authority does not appear to be included in the terms of reference of the steering group which is troubling considering the group was established in Shannon and contributes 30 million euro annually to DAA, County Clare and the wider region.
“It has every right to demand that it be shown a proper and adequate return on its investment in, and development of, a highly profitable enterprise,” stated the Mayor.
Meanwhile Shannon Development CEO, Vincent Cunnane and Shannon Airport representatives, have welcomed the group details, with Shannon Development stating its commitment to “engaging with the various groups to chart the future direction that will secure the viability and sustainability of the airport in the years ahead.
“We are acutely conscious that the new operating entity will need to have the right tools to carry out its airport and wider aviation business activities and we look forward to contributing to the establishment of optimum structures and strategies to ensure that crucial staffing, financial and operational arrangements are in place to allow the airport and wider region to flourish”.
Shannon Airport Director, Mary Considine, said the airport has a pivotal role as the premier international gateway for the wider West of Ireland region.
“We look forward to working with the steering group and task forces that have been announced”.
