MUNSTER MEP Deirdre Clune is to pursue the issue of why Shannon Airport is getting no Government subsidies.
Recent investment in airports in Knock and Kerry have been announced but, as a commercial venture, Shannon has seen no government investment.
However, the Fine Gael MEP, who is Ireland’s only representative on the EU Travel and Tourism Committee, believes that Shannon should qualify for grant-aid under a rule which allows subsidies to airports with less than three million passengers.
“Shannon has capacity, yet 90 per cent of all new flights are coming into Dublin. There are incentives to airlines to develop new routes but we need to look at this,” she told the Limerick Post.
MEP Clune was in Limerick to meet with various groups including Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan.
“We discussed a number of issues, including the M20 which is a vital piece of infrastructure to allow for balanced regional development”.
She said she was pleased to see developments at Foynes Port with EU funding for the jetty extension and a study on the possibility of reestablishing a rail link to the port.
“Shannon/Foynes is Europe’s most westerly port. It will be important for international shipping and particularly for larger boats”.
Ms Clune also visited Aughinish Alumina and met with transition year students at Colaiste Chiaráin in Croom who are taking on European Studies.
“They were very interested, particularly with regard to Brexit and what it will mean for Ireland, ” she said.
