WITH a rail link to Limerick City under active consideration, the Shannon Airport Group is hiring consultants to assess its impact on the regional and national economy.
A tender document posted by the Group states that it is focused on the delivery of a vibrant, thriving economy by providing vital international connectivity for trade and tourism and an attractive location for businesses to develop and grow.
The document explains that a consultants are being sought to assess the economic impact of the group, which in addition to managing the airport also has a property portfolio of 3,300 acres and 2.5 million sq ft of space. This includes the largest business park outside of Dublin with 180 companies.
“We provide comprehensive commercial property solutions from leasing, developing, and managing industrial, business and office parks together with fully serviced development sites.”
The Shannon Airport Group said it contributes significantly to the entire Irish economy and supports thousands of jobs.
“We are playing a critical role in shaping the future development of our country with ground-breaking yet practical facilities and by attracting new or more frequent international connections all of which are vital to a more balanced national economy.”
The tender document states that study should develop an Economic Impact Analysis Model of the Group to assess the environment within which the Group operates as well as trends in the aviation sector. It does not go into much more detail than that.
Last March, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton told reporters that Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is conducting an all-Ireland rail review.
“We want to ensure Shannon Airport is connected, in relation to business, local hubs and residential areas. It is critically important that we have access to the airport and the region and that it is allowed to thrive,” she said.
