SHANNON Group has welcomed the publication of the final Aviation Recovery Taskforce report today, saying that its recommendations will kickstart the rebuilding of Ireland’s economy.
Mary Considine, Shannon Group CEO and a member of the Aviation Recovery Taskforce said: “The report clearly recognises the significant contribution that airports like Shannon make to the regional and national economy.
“It sets out clear recommendation to Government to support the restoration of vital air services into Shannon Airport. We now need to see the speedy implementation of the report to help rebuild our regional and national economy.
“Rebuilding lost air connectivity at airports like Shannon will be vital in rebuilding our economy. The Taskforce report recognises this and their importance in supporting balanced regional development,” she said.
Among its findings, the report recommends that a stimulus package be put in place for Shannon, Cork, Ireland West and Donegal airports to allow them reduce airport charges for airlines which will help restore and grow passenger numbers into the regions.
It also calls for an increased investment in international marketing funding for Tourism Ireland, with emphasis on regions in conjunctions with regional airports like Shannon to stimulate recovery of inbound tourism into regions.
Another recommendation asks that funding for essential capital projects should be granted to airports like Shannon. This would be in line with current European Commission rules on State Supports which allows for airports with under three million passengers to receive capital expenditure support.
The Taskforce report also calls for the extension of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme until March 2021 and liquidity supports for the aviation sector. It also recommends a review of National Aviation Policy.
The full Taskforce report can be viewed at Gov.ie
