Minister Killeen Welcomes Resumption Of Shannon To Heathrow Flights

Minister of State and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has welcomed this weekend’s scheduled resumption of flights between Shannon Airport and London Heathrow.

Minister Killeen said that Aer Lingus’ decision to reinstate the service was commercially based, just as the original decision to end the service had been. “Aer Lingus’ move to reinstate flights between Shannon and Heathrow bears out exactly what I said in August 2007 when the airline announced it was withdrawing the service; it was a commercial decision by the airline to remove the service. The commercial reality in the meantime has changed dramatically, however,” stated the Minister.

He continued, “The dramatic reduction in the cost base at Shannon Airport has played a significant role in the return of the Heathrow service and vital international connectivity.” Minister Killeen noted that the restoration of the service would help Shannon Airport to expand its operations in the coming months. He added, “Coupled with the advent of Open Skies, Shannon Airport has successfully weathered the huge economic downturn and its corresponding impact on the aviation sector. The airport is well placed to prosper and expand when the economy eventually and inevitably rebounds.”

“I also wish to compliment the Shannon Airport Authority, staff at Shannon Airport and the people of the West of Ireland for their steadfast commitment to seeking the reinstatement of this vital service. I wish Aer Lingus every success with the new service,” commented Minister Killeen. Meanwhile, Minister Killeen acknowledged the importance that the Government attached to the resumption of the twice-daily service. He explained that such support from the Government was of paramount importance, on foot of its responsibility for balanced regional development.

Minister Killeen Welcomes Resumption Of Shannon To Heathrow Flights

Minister of State and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has welcomed this weekend’s scheduled resumption of flights between Shannon Airport and London Heathrow.

Minister Killeen said that Aer Lingus’ decision to reinstate the service was commercially based, just as the original decision to end the service had been. “Aer Lingus’ move to reinstate flights between Shannon and Heathrow bears out exactly what I said in August 2007 when the airline announced it was withdrawing the service; it was a commercial decision by the airline to remove the service. The commercial reality in the meantime has changed dramatically, however,” stated the Minister.

He continued, “The dramatic reduction in the cost base at Shannon Airport has played a significant role in the return of the Heathrow service and vital international connectivity.” Minister Killeen noted that the restoration of the service would help Shannon Airport to expand its operations in the coming months. He added, “Coupled with the advent of Open Skies, Shannon Airport has successfully weathered the huge economic downturn and its corresponding impact on the aviation sector. The airport is well placed to prosper and expand when the economy eventually and inevitably rebounds.”

“I also wish to compliment the Shannon Airport Authority, staff at Shannon Airport and the people of the West of Ireland for their steadfast commitment to seeking the reinstatement of this vital service. I wish Aer Lingus every success with the new service,” commented Minister Killeen. Meanwhile, Minister Killeen acknowledged the importance that the Government attached to the resumption of the twice-daily service. He explained that such support from the Government was of paramount importance, on foot of its responsibility for balanced regional development.

Dramatic Fall In Waiting Times For Driving Tests In Clare

Drivers across Clare can breathe a sigh of relief following a dramatic reduction in driving test waiting times in the county.

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. announced this week that average test waiting times at Clare’s three test centres are down by 55%, from 61 weeks to 28 weeks. The local T.D. welcomed the significant decrease in waiting times and paid tribute to the Department of Transport and Road Safety Authority for their efforts to improve driver skills and reduce the number of people on the roads who have not sat a driving test.

Figures obtained by Minister Killeen indicate that the Ennis Test Centre recorded the most significant decrease in waiting times. In November 2007, approximately 1400 people were on the waiting list with average waiting times of 26 weeks. By 3 March 2009, there were 434 people waiting an average of 6 weeks to sit a driving test. During the same period, the Kilrush and Shannon Test Centres have experienced drops in waiting times of 30% (14 weeks down to 10 weeks) and 40% (21 weeks down to 12 weeks) respectively.

Minister Killeen explained that the lengthy waiting times had been a source of annoyance for motorists wishing to obtain full driver licences. “I am delighted to see that waiting lists and times for driving tests have been steadily dropping at Clare’s three test centres. The move to reduce waiting times has been part of an overall road safety strategy from the Road Safety Authority. The implementation of this strategy coincided with the introduction of new rules for Provisional Driving Licence holders,” he added.