The Cathaoirleach of Limerick City and County Council has said the formal establishment of Shannon Group plc will help to reinvigorate the local economy and tourism in Limerick, as well as inspire the strong sense of entrepreneurship associated with the glory days of Shannon Airport and its surrounding freezone.
Councillor Kevin Sheahan was speaking after Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe today formally established Shannon Group plc, which brings together Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Enterprises Limited, Shannon Heritage and The International Aviation Services Centre (IASC).
“Management of the Shannon Group have already made considerable progress in boosting passenger figures and expanding services at Shannon since autonomy was achieved in late 2012, while the local aviation sector has also experienced expansion in the past 18 months. Locally, tourism figures have been significantly buoyed by this growth. I think the formal establishment of Shannon Group plc will give management the space and confidence to build on their impressive progress to date.”
Cllr. Sheahan said he believed that the quality connectivity being provided now and in the future by Shannon International Airport will be of “significant benefit to Limerick not only for the obvious tourism benefits but for investment opportunities also”.
“Limerick’s abundance of highly skilled graduates from the three local third level institutions, quality broadband infrastructure, quality connectivity to the eastern seaboard and close proximity to Shannon Airport makes it an ideal location for investment. We have already seen a number of investments by multinationals in Limerick in recent months which I have no doubt is in part down to the improved connectivity at Shannon Airport brought about since independence from the Dublin Airport Authority was achieved,” Cllr. Sheahan concluded.
