A LEADING Mid West businessman has said that the takeover of Aer Lingus should be supported.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same event, the new CEO of the IDA, Martin Shanahan, said that the development company plans to drive growth of between 30 and 40 per cent into the region in terms of foreign direct investment.
But he added that the airport “provides key connectivity for the region and that needs to continue”.
Mr Shanahan and Harry Fehily of Holms O’Malley Sexton (HOMS) were speaking at the Shannon Chamber of Commerce Spring lunch and networking event.
HOMS were the main sponsors of the event.
Against a baclground of much protest that the Government should use its shareholding to block the sale to IAG, Mr Fehily said that the takeover “would bring fundamental change to doing business but it should be supported”.
Making a short speech on behalf of the sponsers, he also called for the three third level institutions in the region – the University of Limerick, the Limericck Institute of Technology and Mary Immaculte College – to be “brought iunder one umbrella. This should be expediated,” he said.
Mr Shanahan had to leave urgently for a business appointment and was not available to answer further questions on the matter of the takeover while Mr Shanahan said he would “say no more” on the matter at this time.
