Council Ready To Support New Shannon Airport Authority

Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan has welcomed the announcement made today by Minister for Transport, Mr. Leo Varadkar, T.D., in relation to the full separation of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority on 31 December 2012 and the creation of a merged, State-owned, commercial ('NewCo') by 1 July 2013.

He explained: "For many years, Clare County Council has encouraged and supported the establishment of an autonomous Shannon International Airport. The Council is particularly satisfied the airport is being granted independence in relation to its future operation and that the newly created entity will drive the sustainable development of the surrounding landbank, as envisioned in the Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017."

Mr. Coughlan noted that the Council will continue to play a central role in helping to secure the future viability of the Airport and its assets, including the surrounding landbank.

He continued: "Clare County Council will next week (10 December) launch the Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2012-2018, which provides for aviation sector use of a 2,000-acre landbank adjacent to the airport. The Council's vision in zoning this landbank for aviation purposes will position Shannon as a key location for investment when the airport commences operations as an autonomous entity in 2013."

Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Daly described today's announcement as a milestone moment in the history of Shannon Airport.

The Mayor explained: "The key challenge over the coming months will be to retain and build on the existing level of aviation business at the airport, despite the regrettable loss of Aer Rianta International to the DAA. This includes promoting the Airport Lands zoned by Clare County Council as suitable locations for aircraft maintenance/cargo handling facilities, business park use primarily related to airport servicing, management and maintenance activities, long-term aircraft maintenance, air-freight cargo handling facilities and other innovative initiatives."

Commenting on the potential for growing the numbers of airline operators based in Shannon, Mayor Daly noted: "Up until recent years, Shannon was very much dependent on one airline to maintain its scheduled services. Any airport that relies on a single airline for a large proportion of traffic leaves itself open to a collapse of business if that operator pulls out. We have seen this happen at Shannon in the past but I believe recent service announcements by Delta, Aer Lingus and United Airlines herald a new beginning for the airport.

"Clare County Council, the Clare Tourism Forum and other agencies throughout the region have for many years assisted airport management in promoting services and securing additional visitors through Shannon Airport. This work complements the huge amount of promotional work already being done in this area by the local business and hospitality sectors. Such a collaborative approach must continue if Shannon is to retain existing and secure new operators. If it does, then I believe the airport has a very bright future," concluded Mayor Daly.