FIVE weeks after the chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) failed to attend a meeting specifically convened to address the problems associated with Shannon Airport, a letter, explaining the reasons for his absence, has been received by Limerick City Council. Expressing his disappointment that he found himself unable to address the specially convened meeting, which was held on November 28, Brian O’Connell, outgoing chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority, said he appreciated that the mayor and councillors were disappointed that he was unable to attend. In a letter addressed to a City Hall executive, Mr O’Connell said:
“It was only a short few hours before the start time of the meeting that my dilemma became apparent, at which time, it was too short notice to arrange a stand-in”.
In his letter, Mr O’Connell, who said he had notes prepared in readiness to address the meeting, added:
“Circumstances just did not allow the time to nominate a replacement and fully brief them on my presentation but notwithstanding that, I have now completed my two year appointment as chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority and at a future date, I would be happy to meet with your members, should this prove convenient”.
At the arranged meeting on Monday, November 28, councillors voiced their “acute disappointment” that Mr O’Connell, as chairman of the SAA, was not present to answer specific questions regarding the problems associated with the airport’s future role in the Mid West region.
“It seems to be a policy of the SAA not to engage with us but if its chairman can’t answer our questions about the airport’s future, someone else from the SAA should - there is a very strong argument for separation of the SAA from the DAA and I welcome the comments of Shannon Development’s CEO, Dr Vincent Cunnane that this could be achieved through the establishment of a new regional development body,” commented, Cllr Diarmuid Scully.
The meeting, which was held in the council chamber of City Hall, was addressed by Dr Cunnane.