THE PROSPECT of declining passenger numbers at Shannon Airport has prompted the Mayor of Clare to seek an all-party delegation meeting with Transport Minister Shane Ross.
Mayor Crowe has also asked that MInister Ross seek to develop an EU hub for Shannon in the expectation of a no-deal Brexit.
‘If the Heathrow route goes as a result of Brexit, Shannon will be isolated,” the Meelick councillor warned.
“It is very important that Shannon has a second EU hub, he added.
“In the interests of the continued success of the airport and its economic impact on the region, it is time to put party politics aside and to pull together in the greater interest.
He said that the development of a new runway at Dublin airport puts Shannon in a difficult situation.
“We can’t have a situation where most of the new development is concentrated in Dublin and along the East Coast,” Mayor Crowe said.
He added that it would “make sense” if tourists who are currently flying into Dublin and being bussed to attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher would instead access the Mid West and the West through Shannon.
“Shannon Airport has the longest runway in Europe and is an essential route for transatlantic traffic. It is within 30 minutes drive of key tourist attractions.”
Pointing to supports which the government could give, Cllr Crowe said that flood defences could be provided as could a better road infrastructure.
