THE future of Shannon Airport is to be known by Easter according to Minister Leo Varadkar who was addressing a Limerick Chamber breakfast meeting this Friday. Minister Vardakar said that he will appoint an interim board to deliver a business plan for the airport. He said that the “status quo” was not working and if the airport was to become sustainable, some part of the airport’s debt would have to be written down.
Praising the entrepreneurial spirit that was still “alive” in the region, Minister Varadkar said that he had a keen interest in the success of the airport. He also said that further attracting outside investment was part of the remit of the board and that it would be key to the success of its future.
Writting down, if not possibly writting the debt off completely would be considered according to Minister Vardakar when he was pressed about the financial position of the airport.
Shannon passenger figures have dropped by 2 million in the last four years as the airport suffers from the loss of flights in and out of the Mid West.
The results of the Booze Report on the airport will be distributed to the relevant government departments by the minister over the coming weeks before it is published.
The minister also noted and agreed with the sentiments of the local business representatives that developing the land bank around the airport as well as taking the next step in advancing the pre clearance facilities and increasing the handling of cargo at the Mid West airport are key to improving its growth and stability.
