The Mayor of Clare has described the recommencement of services between Shannon and London Heathrow as a “shot in the arm” for the West of Ireland economy.
Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said the restoration of direct access to one of the world’s most strategically important airports would restore confidence among multinationals based along the western seaboard.
“The international connectivity that this region can once again benefit from will have significant consequences for the future operations of companies throughout the Region,” explained the Mayor. She continued, “Furthermore, it will encourage potential investors and foreign multinationals to relocate here. The return of the Heathrow service comes at a time when the economy needs every support available to retain its competitiveness.”
Mayor Taylor Quinn noted that tourism would benefit also from the restored service. She added that Aer Lingus would now have a challenge to regain and restore the confidence of its previous customer base.
“It must be recognised that a lot of damage has been done to the tourism and business community in Clare and the wider region since the withdrawal of the Shannon to Heathrow service last year. Shannon's rightful slots into Heathrow were wrongfully withdrawn in a cavalier and reckless fashion without any consideration of the fallout for the region,” stated Councillor Taylor Quinn. “As Mayor of Clare I wish Aer Lingus success with its partially restored service. However, I am requesting the airline and the Minister for Transport to restore all three flights in the immediate future,” she commented.
“I particularly wish to compliment the management of Shannon Airport for their determination in pursuing this issue with Aer Lingus and arriving at an attractive arrangement for the airline. Equally the Aer Lingus staff at Shannon must be praised for their co-operation on rationalisation, which undoubtedly was a factor in the airline reaching its decision to restore services,” concluded the Mayor.
